By Our Correspondent
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for stronger community policing and grassroots security measures to address rising insecurity across the country.
Speaking at a one-day security dialogue held in Jos, Abbas Tajudeen said the National Assembly remains committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s plan to establish state police.
He explained that the dialogue was convened to generate practical solutions that will restore peace in Plateau State and other troubled areas.
The Speaker emphasized the need to empower local communities, urging support for responsible vigilante groups and traditional institutions to play active roles in safeguarding their environments—within the limits of the law.
He also stressed the importance of providing relief to victims of violence, calling on government at all levels to prioritize rehabilitation, compensation, and reintegration programmes, alongside rebuilding affected communities.
Abbas Tajudeen reaffirmed that a coordinated approach involving both national and local actors remains key to achieving lasting peace.
Earlier in his welcome remarks chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Security Challenges in Plateau State, Wale Hammed, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state.
He expressed confidence in renewed federal efforts, noting that President Bola Tinubu has prioritised Plateau through increased security and humanitarian support.
Hammed stressed that lasting peace requires collaboration among government, traditional rulers, and community groups, adding that dialogue and inclusion are key to resolving conflicts.
He assured that the committee will sustain engagement with stakeholders until peace is fully restored.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has called for unity, collaboration, and decisive action to tackle ongoing security challenges in the state and across Nigeria.
Hedescribed the gathering as both timely and necessary, bringing together key actors committed to restoring peace and stability.
He commended the House of Representatives for setting up an ad-hoc committee on Plateau’s security situation, noting that the crisis is part of a wider national concern that requires collective solutions.
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged that past administrations, including those of Joshua Dariye, Jonah David Jang, and Simon Lalong, made efforts to address recurring violence, but challenges have persisted.
He said his administration has taken steps to strengthen security, including revamping Operation Rainbow, improving intelligence gathering, and investing in modern surveillance technology.
He added that over 300 operational vehicles have been restored and motorcycles deployed to enhance rapid response, especially in rural communities.
The Governor also emphasized dialogue and reconciliation, highlighting the role of the Inter-Faith Advisory Council in promoting trust among diverse groups.
While noting a period of relative peace and increased investor confidence in the state, he admitted that recent attacks in some rural areas remain a concern.
Governor Mutfwang stressed that security goes beyond military action, saying it must include justice, economic opportunity, and inclusion for all citizens.
“The challenges are real, but they are not beyond resolution. We must address both the immediate threats and the root causes of conflict.”
He urged stakeholders to avoid blame and focus on practical solutions, adding that lasting peace depends on trust, fairness, and a shared commitment to the common good.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and called on all citizens to promote unity and reject divisive narratives.
He expressed optimism that the dialogue would lead to concrete actions toward lasting peace in Plateau State and beyond.
Our correspondent reports that
the dialogue brought together security agencies, government officials, and community leaders to find lasting solutions to Plateau’s security challenges.
