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Deputy Chair Attributes Langtang North’s Peace to Tolerance and Respect for Local Laws
As violent conflicts continue to afflict various parts of Plateau State, the Deputy Chairperson of Langtang North Local Government Area, Hon. Deborah Daniel, has highlighted tolerance, mutual respect, and adherence to local laws as key factors sustaining peace in the area.
She made this known on Saturday, July 26, 2025, when the Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee visited the council as part of its statewide assessment aimed at addressing recurring killings and insecurity.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, who was unavoidably absent, Hon. Deborah noted that while Langtang North has not been immune to disputes—particularly over land—it has largely avoided the large-scale violence seen in other parts of the state due to its people’s deep-rooted culture of peaceful coexistence.
“We are a welcoming people, but we also believe strongly in law and order,” she said. “When you come to Langtang North and you respect our customs and abide by the rules, you’ll have no problem. But when someone refuses to follow the laid-down regulations, that’s when there’s tension.”
Hon. Deborah stressed the community’s reputation for hospitality and added that most internal issues are resolved through tolerance and dialogue rather than confrontation. “We tolerate a lot. We believe in telling people the truth in peace. That’s how we have been able to live with others. We are peacemakers,” she emphasized.
She commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for establishing the committee, describing him as “a true father of the state” for seeking to understand the root causes of violence rather than ignoring the suffering of citizens.
The committee, led by Maj. Gen. Nicholas Ragas (Rtd), had earlier stated that its visit was aimed at collecting firsthand accounts to formulate realistic and sustainable recommendations to restore peace in Plateau. He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere in Langtang North, contrasting it with the devastation witnessed in other LGAs.
In addition to a meeting with local officials, the committee held separate engagements with security agencies and the traditional council led by His Royal Highness Nimnan Langnim, the Ponzhi Zinni. The monarch affirmed that peace in the area is the result of collective vigilance and sacrifice. “We watch each other’s backs. The interest of the community comes first,” he said.
In her final remarks, Hon. Deborah appealed for greater inclusion of women in peace building and governance. “There are only two women among ten committee members. We need to be carried along more because women are natural peace advocates,” she added.
Concluding the visit, Maj. Gen. Ragas praised the people of Langtang North for prioritizing unity and dialogue, noting that while land disputes exist, the absence of major attacks or reprisals was commendable. “We’ve seen the difference here,” he said. “This kind of community-based peace approach is what we hope to replicate elsewhere across the state.”
The Yobe State Government has approved the enrolment of state and local government retirees into the Social Equity Programme of its health insurance scheme.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA), Babagana Tijjani, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Damaturu.
Mr Tijjani said the approval was granted by Governor Mai Mala Buni following a recommendation from the agency.
He said the initiative aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending among pensioners and improve access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services at YSCHMA-accredited health facilities.
According to him, the approval underscores the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees by ensuring they continue to access quality healthcare after retirement.
“This approval is another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents of the state,” he said.
“By bringing retirees under the social equity programme, the government is ensuring that senior citizens can access quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.”
The executive secretary further said that the inclusion of retirees in the scheme aligned with the administration’s healthcare reform agenda and the state’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
He also described the development as a significant step in expanding access to healthcare and strengthening social protection.
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Mr Tijjani commended the governor for approving the initiative and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its effective implementation.
He said the YSCHMA would work closely with pension unions, relevant government institutions and healthcare providers to ensure a transparent enrolment process and seamless access to healthcare services for eligible beneficiaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the YSCHMA was established under Yobe State Law No. 7 of 2019 to implement the state’s contributory healthcare scheme and promote equitable, affordable and qualitative healthcare services for residents.
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