The House of Representatives has set out to finding lasting solutions to the protracted security crisis in Plateau State
The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to finding lasting solutions to the protracted security crisis in Plateau State, saying it is determined to chart new pathways for peace, justice, security, and reconciliation in the region.
Chairman of the House ad-hoc committee on the special security conference on Plateau state, Rep. Adewale Hammed (APC Lagos ), gave the assurance on Wednesday at the inaugural meeting of the committee in Abuja.
Hammed decried the recurring violence in Plateau, describing it as a national tragedy that has caused untold hardship for communities in the state and its neighbours.
“The security challenges in Plateau state have persisted for far too long. We are all witnesses to the unfortunate and recurring cycle of violence that has left many communities in sorrow, displaced countless families, destroyed livelihoods, and eroded trust among ethnic and religious groups,” Hammed said.
“These tragic developments are not isolated—they reverberate beyond Plateau, affecting neighbouring states and undermining national stability. It is for this reason that the House of Representatives, at its plenary on the 8th day of May, 2025, in its wisdom and responsiveness to the yearnings of our people, mandated the formation of this committee.”
The lawmaker explained that the committee will convene a security conference involving key stakeholders in Plateau state to facilitate truth-telling and offer practical, people-driven solutions to the crisis.
“This is not just another conference. It is an opportunity for truth-telling, healing, dialogue, and decisive recommendations.
“Our aim is not just to diagnose the problem—much of which we already know—but also to chart new pathways towards lasting peace, security, justice, and reconciliation.
“This task is not about politics—it isn’t about people. It’s about communities. It’s about peace. It’s about the soul of our nation,” he added.
The committee’s work comes amid renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Plateau, including the brutal killing of 13 innocent travellers from Unguwan Rimi Community, Basawa in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The House had earlier, during plenary on Tuesday, passed a resolution condemning the killings and calling for urgent action. This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi (PDP Kaduna).
In his lead debate, Abdullahi recounted that the victims were en route to a wedding ceremony in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state on Friday, June 20, 2025, when they missed their way and were attacked, mobbed, and murdered by unidentified persons.
“These were unarmed civilians on a peaceful journey for a social event. They were brutally killed in an act of violence that has left their families devastated,” Abdullahi said.
He expressed deep concern that such heinous acts have become part of an increasing trend of inter-state violence that threatens the freedom of movement and the unity of Nigeria.
Lawmakers lamented that despite previous resolutions of the House and repeated assurances from security agencies, incidents of this nature persist unabated—raising serious concerns about the adequacy of Nigeria’s security architecture.
They further warned that the failure to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of such crimes continues to embolden criminal elements and erodes public confidence in government’s capacity to deliver justice and protect lives.
Quoting Section 14(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” the lawmakers emphasised that the time for concrete action is now.
As part of its resolutions, the House:
- Condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of the 13 travellers;
- Directed the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice;
- Urged the Federal Government to enhance inter-state security coordination to ensure the safety of travellers across the country;
- Called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide humanitarian relief to the affected families and survivors currently receiving treatment in various hospitals;
- Mandated the already existing ad-hoc committee to investigate recurring attacks on travellers along the Plateau axis and report back within 14 days.
Lawmakers stressed that peace, security, and justice are critical for national development, warning that no society can thrive under the cloud of fear, bloodshed, and impunity.
