Tension In Plateau: National Assembly Drags Mutfwang, Lalong Into Probe

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Security Challenges in Plateau State has extended an invitation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Senator Simon Lalong (former governor and current representative of Plateau South), and other key stakeholders to participate in a high-level security summit aimed at addressing the ongoing violence and insecurity plaguing the state.

Also invited to the crucial dialogue are former governors Jonah Jang and Joshua Dariye, members of the National and State Assemblies, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and heads of security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and Operation Safe Haven officials.

Civil society organizations, youth leaders, religious bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Miyetti Allah, and the Plateau Initiative for the Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) are expected to attend. International peace organizations including the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the African Union Peace and Security Division have also received invitations.

Speaking to journalists on the purpose of the summit, Committee Chairman Hon. Wale Hammed said the conference is designed to generate “practical and actionable solutions” to break the cycle of violence in areas like Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu Local Government Areas.

Hammed emphasized that the committee has also requested memoranda from relevant stakeholders to facilitate inclusive dialogue and evidence-based policy recommendations.

He added that the House has resolved to both host the conference and launch an investigation into the rising trend of violence, particularly attacks on travelers and indigenous communities by non-state actors since 2021.

Exercising its mandate under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, the Committee aims to ensure a fair and balanced engagement with all parties, with the ultimate goal of implementing proactive strategies that protect lives and property. Hammed stressed that the goal of the summit is to find lasting solutions, not to further divide the state.