Plateau Killing won’t Escalate under Our Watch – Abbas vows decisive action

…..Says the House will not be a Parliament of lamentations

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has declared that the National Assembly will not allow Plateau State to descend further into violence, promising bold legislative action to restore peace and stability.

Speaking in Jos at a high-level security dialogue convened by the House Ad hoc Committee on Security Challenges, Abbas described the gathering as a “national imperative” aimed at confronting decades of bloodshed in the state.

The conference, themed “Restoring Stability and Unity: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Security in Plateau State and Beyond,” brought together key stakeholders including Governor Caleb Mutfwang, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society groups, and religious leaders to chart lasting solutions.

Abbas lamented the prolonged violence in Plateau, noting that since 2001, thousands have been killed across flashpoints such as Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South. He also referenced more recent attacks between late 2023 and early 2024 that claimed hundreds of lives and displaced tens of thousands.

He stressed that the crisis goes beyond ethnic or religious narratives, citing deeper issues like land disputes, economic marginalisation, weak conflict resolution systems, and the infiltration of criminal elements.

The Speaker assured that the 10th House is moving beyond rhetoric, pledging to review laws related to security, land management, and justice, while prioritising funding for reconstruction, trauma centres, and modern security infrastructure in affected communities.

“We will not be a parliament of lamentations but one of action and results,” Abbas declared, adding that collaboration between the Presidency, National Assembly, and Plateau State Government would ensure real implementation.

In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, highlighting measures such as enhanced security operations, deployment of technology including drone surveillance, and interfaith engagement initiatives.

The dialogue signals renewed federal and state resolve to tackle Plateau’s long-standing insecurity and rebuild trust among its diverse communities.

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