Former Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, have proposed a comprehensive strategy to end the persistent conflicts in Plateau State. Both leaders emphasized that sustainable peace must be community-led, supported by robust institutional backing from security agencies.
Their remarks followed a high-level meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where the security situation in Plateau was a key topic due to recent killings in several parts of the state.
Wase, who briefed the President on the escalating security challenges, highlighted the critical need for enhanced coordination among security bodies. He stressed the importance of integrating intelligence gathering and ensuring joint operations between air and ground forces.
"A lot of work has to be done and we have every reason to support and ensure that we have peace. What we are witnessing is a slight derailment, and it is purely sabotage. I strongly believe that if intelligence from the security agencies is properly utilised, we will be able to surmount this problem.
"I am asking for collaboration because, in its absence, we will never get out of it. Plateau is a very important economic area in terms of mining, farming and other activities, but we are approaching the rainy season. I will therefore seek collaboration between the Air Force and ground troops so that this problem can be solved.
‘"As a former Deputy Speaker, I have access to a lot of security reports, though this is not the forum to disclose them. I must also appreciate our security personnel because we have lost a number of them. In Wase and Kanam alone about two weeks ago, we lost over 14 men, including a captain of the Nigerian Army. This shows the colossal loss we are recording. However, leaders have agreed to work together and we are going to do that."
Lalong, reflecting on the history of recurring violence in the state, asserted that the ultimate resolution rests with the people of Plateau, not solely with security operatives.
"The solution to the problem of Plateau lies with the people. If we are ready for it, we will proffer the solution,"
he stated.
He recounted his extensive experience across various leadership roles, from Speaker to Governor, noting that Plateau has overcome similar crises in the past, including periods under emergency rule.
"I saw it all. We went through a state of emergency and came out of it. We thought it was over, but it is rearing its head again,"
Lalong commented.
He suggested convening a closed-door meeting involving prominent past and present leaders of the state, including former governors and traditional rulers. According to Lalong, this would provide a platform for frank discussions and a unified commitment to ending the violence.
"If you bring all of us together, Jang, Dariye, Lalong, Mutfwang and the traditional rulers, you may find a lasting solution because all of us have gone through it,"
he proposed.
Lalong further suggested that such a meeting, potentially held in Abuja with the President, would allow stakeholders to "tell themselves the truth" and make an unwavering commitment to peace.
"We must reach a point where everybody agrees that there will be no more blood on Plateau,"
he emphasised, expressing sorrow over the ongoing loss of innocent lives.
In his response, President Tinubu challenged leaders in Plateau to draw lessons from the past and accept responsibility for restoring peace.
"Why is the past not a lesson for us?"
the President questioned.
He addressed the governor and other stakeholders, stating: "You and I were elected to create peace and security, not to create widows and widowers. We are here to bring prosperity to the youth."
Tinubu conveyed his desire to avoid future condolence visits to Plateau, urging leaders to take decisive actions to break the cycle of violence.
The latest discussions occur as Plateau faces a resurgence of attacks, resulting in numerous fatalities. The state has a long history of ethno- religious and communal conflicts that have persisted despite security operations and past peace initiatives.
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