House of Reps Launches Crack Team to Tackle Plateau Killings, National Insecurity

The House of Representatives has set up an Ad hoc Committee mandated to convene a special security summit aimed at tackling the persistent security crises in Plateau State and other impacted areas.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, the Chairman of the Special Committee, Hammed Waheed (APC–Lagos), expressed deep concern over the recurring crises in Plateau State.

He lamented the protracted nature of the security issues, noting that the repeated outbreaks of violence had caused immense grief, displaced countless families, and devastated livelihoods. He added that the unrest had also deepened divisions along ethnic and religious lines.

“These heartbreaking events are not confined to Plateau alone. They spill into neighboring states, threatening national cohesion and stability,” Waheed stated. “In response to this dire situation, the House of Representatives, during its May 8 plenary, resolved to establish this committee to chart a path forward.”

He explained that the committee’s core mandate is to convene a Special Security Conference, bringing together critical stakeholders — including security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and community leaders — for robust engagement.

Waheed emphasized the importance of broad participation, saying that the conference would also include youth groups, women’s organizations, political leaders, and researchers to foster honest dialogue and generate practical, long-term solutions.

“This won’t be just another talk shop,” he said. “It will be a forum for truth-telling, healing, strategic dialogue, and concrete resolutions.”

He reiterated that the goal is not merely to highlight the issues but to develop new approaches toward lasting peace, justice, security, and reconciliation.

Waheed urged committee members to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, fairness, and empathy, stressing the importance of engaging directly with affected communities to uncover the underlying causes of the conflict.

He also tasked the committee with developing a detailed conference framework that ensures inclusivity and amplifies the voices of all societal groups, culminating in a thorough report with actionable recommendations.

“The nation is watching us. This mission transcends politics — it is about restoring peace, saving lives, and preserving the soul of our country,” he said. “Let us approach this task with unity, compassion, and courage.”