The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed deep concern over the persistent violence in Plateau State, warning that the unrest poses a serious threat to the state’s rich agricultural and tourism potential.
Leading a delegation to the state, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commiserated with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau over the latest wave of attacks. He stressed the urgent need for peace to enable sustainable development and restore investor confidence.
“Plateau has enormous potential in agriculture and tourism, but the ongoing insecurity could tarnish its image and hinder development,” AbdulRazaq stated during the visit. “We must embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and perspective-taking to resolve differences. Violence should not define our communities.”
He commended the swift interventions of security agencies, which he said had prevented the situation from escalating further, and called on leaders at all levels—including youth and community influencers—to unite in speaking out against violence.
The NGF visit comes amid growing concerns over the frequency and intensity of attacks in Plateau and other parts of the country. General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, acknowledged the rising tempo of violence but assured Nigerians that the military remains fully committed to ending terrorism and restoring peace.
Speaking during a joint fast-breaking event with Armed Forces personnel in Abuja, General Musa emphasized unity, discipline, and resilience in confronting the nation’s security challenges. “The path ahead is tough, but together we will overcome,” he said, commending President Tinubu’s continued support for military operations.
Also reacting to the crisis, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, praised northern traditional rulers for their outspoken condemnation of the killings in Plateau and Benue states. He urged governments to work closely with grassroots leaders in crafting community-driven solutions.
“I align fully with the northern traditional rulers who have declared that enough is enough. Their courage and leadership must be supported with decisive government action,” Obi stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, political strategist and former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, criticized the federal government’s centralized approach to security, calling for urgent reforms and devolution of powers to states and local councils.
“How many more lives must be lost before we take real action?” he queried in a statement. “The current structure is overstretched and ineffective. Security must be intelligence-led, decentralized, and responsive to local realities.”
Olawepo-Hashim also cited porous borders and weak regional cooperation as factors exacerbating the insecurity crisis, describing the insurgency’s movement from one region to another as an “adaptive threat.”
“The solution lies in collaborative efforts between federal and sub-national governments, supported by regional security frameworks. The time to act is now,” he emphasized.
The chorus of voices demanding peace continues to grow, as leaders across sectors urge all Nigerians to set aside political and ethnic divisions in the pursuit of a secure and prosperous nation.
