The Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, concluded its statewide assessment of security challenges in the 17 local government areas with a final visit to Pankshin Local Government Area.

Chairman of the Pankshin LGA, Hon. Felix Amos Gonung, welcomed the committee alongside his deputy, council secretary, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), other security chiefs, and key council members.

Speaking during the visit, Committee Chairman, Maj. Gen. Nicholas Rogers (rtd), reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to gathering accurate, objective insights that would guide the state government’s actions in curbing violence. “We have heard of killings, cattle rustling, land grabbing, and illegal mining. These are serious issues. The governor, in his wisdom, asked for external perspectives to find out why these atrocities persist. Pankshin is special to the Plateau people, and that’s why we’re concluding the assessment here,” he said.

Committee Secretary, Barr. Baba Parlong, noted that as the only Plateau indigene on the panel, his presence signifies the governor’s intent for a neutral, unbiased outcome. “From the onset till today, I have seen the governor’s vision gradually taking form,” he stated.

In his remarks, Hon. Felix Gonung expressed appreciation for the governor’s initiative and praised the committee for its diligence. “This is a timely and intentional step by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to address insecurity. We in Pankshin may not be experiencing mass killings like other LGAs, but we are not immune to threats such as land disputes, cattle encroachment, and illegal mining,” he said.

The council chairman also commended the synergy between traditional rulers, security operatives, and the council in managing security threats. “We have deliberately intensified local efforts to keep Pankshin peaceful,” he added.

The DPO, while describing the area as relatively peaceful, identified growing concerns. “The migration of herders due to crises in other LGAs poses a serious threat. Though kidnapping has declined, land-related tensions and cattle invasion of farmlands remain challenges,” he said.

Deputy Chairman of the council also pointed to a recent anonymous letter threatening an attack in one community. “We mobilized security and traditional leadership to preemptively respond. This collaboration is what’s helping us maintain stability,” he noted, while also commending the strong partnership between the local vigilante and formal security structures.

Addressing the committee at his palace, the Ngolong Ngas and Chairman of the Pankshin-Kanke Traditional Council, HRH Nde Jika Golit, said the zone has remained largely peaceful, though not without isolated incidents. “We have only experienced minor issues like land disputes, chieftaincy clashes, and isolated kidnappings. We thank our security agencies and pray this peace continues,” he said.

While commending the committee’s efforts, he appealed for urgent intervention to stop the ongoing killings in other troubled LGAs. “Just last week, about 50 people were killed in Riyom. The government is trying, but it’s clear more needs to be done. We must stop this bloodshed before whole communities are wiped out,” the traditional ruler lamented.

The committee chairman, Maj. Gen. Rogers, in a closing remark, praised the resilience of Pankshin and Kanke communities. “Apart from some family-level farmland disputes, this place remains calm. We’ve gathered facts that will guide the government in restoring Plateau’s peace and dignity,” he said.

Hon. Gonung echoed similar optimism. “This visit is a blessing. The presence of people who have served the nation and are still contributing even in retirement is inspiring. We believe your prayers and recommendations will usher in a new era of peace,” he said.

With the conclusion of the local government tour, the committee is expected to begin deliberations and present its findings and recommendations to the Plateau State Government. Citizens across the state await the outcome with great anticipation, hoping for decisive action that will halt the cycle of violence and restore Plateau’s reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”