Council Chairman Highlights Threats of Kidnapping, Poor Roads as Fact-Finding Committee Visits the LGA

While much of Plateau State grapples with recurring violence, Jos-East Local Government Area stands out as a beacon of relative peace — a fact that drew commendation from the Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee during its recent assessment visit.

The committee, led by retired Major General Nicholas Rogers, was received at the council secretariat on Monday by Chairman Hon. Markus Usaini Nyam and later at the palace of His Royal Highness, Agwom Izere Rev. Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili. The visit featured closed-door engagements with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, and heads of security agencies.

Major General Rogers (Rtd) praised the LGA’s calm environment, noting that the absence of recent violent attacks sets Jos-East apart. “This is one of the few LGAs where peace still holds. It’s not by accident. We commend your efforts, but we also know that sustaining peace requires constant vigilance,” he said.

Despite the commendation, local leaders did not shy away from highlighting the cracks that could threaten this fragile stability. Chairman Nyam noted that while Jos-East has been spared the kind of violence seen in other areas, the council continues to struggle with kidnappings, poor access roads, and weak telecommunications infrastructure — all of which hamper effective security response.

“Our top security concern is kidnapping, especially along our porous borders with Bauchi and neighboring LGAs like Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Jos North,” he said. “Just four months ago, a reverend father was abducted in Magama Juju, and another incident almost occurred last week. What helps is our strong community vigilance, including partnerships with groups like No-Bail, a non-conventional outfit based in Bauchi that collaborates with our local hunters.”

Hon. Nyam appealed to the state government to urgently address road infrastructure and communication gaps, emphasizing that timely reporting and mobility are crucial in preventing crime. “With better roads and mobile networks, we can respond faster and secure our communities better,” he added.

The fact-finding committee, constituted by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is investigating the root causes of Plateau’s violent conflicts since 2001 and is expected to recommend sustainable peacebuilding solutions. Rogers assured that the committee would reflect the infrastructural needs of Jos-East in its final report, especially the road network which he acknowledged as a potential hindrance to security operations and development.

The Agwom Izere, Rev. Dr. Isaac Wakili, lauded the state government for setting up the committee and expressed confidence in its leadership. “You’ve gone round and listened. We believe your report will reflect the truth and guide the state toward lasting peace,” he said.

The committee, comprising seasoned security experts, journalists, legal practitioners, and civil society leaders, continues its tour of Plateau’s LGAs as it prepares to submit its final findings to the government.