Former Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, have called for a multi-dimensional approach to ending the recurring violence in Plateau State.
They stressed that sustainable peace must be driven by the people themselves, with strong institutional support from security agencies.
They spoke during a high level engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where the security situation in Plateau came under focus following renewed killings across parts of the state.
Wase, who briefed the President on the deteriorating security situation, underscored the need for better coordination among security agencies, particularly the integration of intelligence and 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.”
On his part, Lalong, who traced the history of recurring violence in the state, insisted that the ultimate solution lies with the people of Plateau, not security forces alone.
“The solution to the problem of Plateau lies with the people. If we are ready for it, we will proffer the solution,” he said.
He recalled his experience across different administrations, from his time as Speaker to his tenure as governor, noting that Plateau had previously endured and emerged from similar crises, including periods of 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 said.
He proposed a closed door meeting involving key past and present leaders of the state, including former governors and traditional rulers, to speak frankly and commit collectively 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 said.
Lalong added that such a meeting, to be held with the President in Abuja, would allow stakeholders to “tell themselves the truth” and make a firm commitment to peace.
“We must reach a point where everybody agrees that there will be no more blood on Plateau,” he stressed, lamenting the continued loss of innocent lives.
Responding, President Tinubu challenged leaders in the state to learn from history and take responsibility for restoring peace.
“Why is the past not a lesson for us?” the President asked.
Addressing the governor and other stakeholders, he said: “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 added that he does not want to return to Plateau on condolence visits, urging leaders to take decisive steps to end the cycle of violence.
The latest intervention comes amid renewed attacks in Plateau communities with several deaths recorded.
The state has long been plagued by ethno-religious and communal conflicts.
The issue has persisted despite military operations and previous peace efforts.