Dachung Musa Bagos has stated that Economic and Political Factors as the root causes of insecurity in Plateau State.
In the wake of the recent wave of violent attacks that have engulfed several local government areas in Plateau State, Rep Dachung Bagos has shed light on the underlying economic and political factors that he believes are at the core of the state’s ongoing insecurity challenges.
The Member Representing, Jos South, Jos East federal constituency, Dachung Musa Bagos, stated this during an exclusive interview with Channels TV while offering insights into the potential causes behind the escalating conflict in the region.
“The narrative that I want the government to consider is about the underlying causes. The commonly held belief is that these conflicts are solely about farmer-herder clashes, but that’s a misrepresentation. The real causes are deeply connected to the economic and political situation,” he emphasized.
Highlighting his perspective on the matter, the senator explained that a closer examination of the local government areas that have been disproportionately affected by the insecurity reveals a pattern.
“We have 17 local government areas in Plateau State, yet the heat of these attacks is consistently concentrated on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom, Wase, Bassa, Jos South, and recently Mangu – that’s six out of the total,” Senator Bagos outlined.”
These specific areas, he noted, are characterized by abundant mineral resources and significant agricultural production. He also expressed concern over the appropriation of local resources by unidentified individuals.
“It’s not a coincidence that the areas under attack are rich in both minerals and agricultural output.”
“Take Barking Ladi, for instance, with a population of over 260 thousand people and hosting the Jos airport. The area is a hub for agricultural production, particularly harish and sweet potatoes, vegetables, grains, and livestock.”
“Moreover, Barking Ladi boasts not less than 7 to 8 mineral resources, including tin, kaolin, zircon, and granite. However, these resources are being exploited not by the locals but by unknown individuals, and these mining sites are heavily guarded. he asserted.”
“This insecurity issue is rooted in both economic and political factors. When you chase people away from these local areas and occupy them, it goes beyond a mere clash. It becomes an act of genocide and land grabbing,” Senator Bagos passionately stated.
His assessment also extended to the town of Mangu, which had largely avoided such attacks until recently.
“Mangu, with a population of about 442 thousand people, has been a significant contributor to the country’s grain production, accounting for over 10% on a daily basis. However, the crisis in Mangu now threatens the nation’s grain supply,”
“And still in the same Mangu, we have mineral resources.”
“This pattern suggests that the next local government with abundant mineral resources and agricultural produce could be the next target if the situation isn’t addressed.” Senator Bagos lamented.
Rep Musa Bagos emphasized the importance of addressing these economic and political factors in order to address the root causes of the insecurity plaguing the region. He called for practical interventions that would allow displaced individuals to return to their villages and ensure the responsible management of the region’s abundant resources for the benefit of the local population.
