The Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, has made a passionate appeal for the establishment of state policing as a solution to the insecurity plaguing Plateau State. He made the call on Monday, June 30, 2025, while receiving members of the Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee during their assessment visit to the LGA.

The committee, set up by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to investigate the root causes of persistent attacks in Plateau State and recommend lasting solutions, visited Jos South as part of its statewide tour of affected communities.

Speaking during a closed-door meeting with the committee at the LGA secretariat, which included heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Hon. Dung stressed that state policing would empower local authorities to respond swiftly to threats.

“As a local government chairman, I can’t give direct orders to the DPO to act during emergencies because he takes instructions from above, and sometimes the security personals are hours away from the scene of attack,” he said. “We need locally sourced, trained, and equipped personnel who know the terrain and can be first responders.”

While appreciating the neutrality of the committee members—most of whom are non-indigenes—Hon. Dung emphasized that the Jos South situation is unique. He cautioned against labeling the crisis simply as “farmer-herder clashes,” describing some of the attacks as acts of terrorism.

“Jos South has been affected by land occupation, targeted killings, and kidnappings. Gero community, for instance, is often mentioned in crises due to its location and resource-rich land. It shares boundaries with four LGAs—Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, and Jos North—making it a hotspot and transit route for attackers,” he said.

He added that mining activity in Gero and surrounding areas has also contributed to tensions, as both locals and outsiders compete for access to rich deposits.

Committee Visits Conflict-Prone Areas

The committee chairman, Major General Nicholas Rogas (Rtd), said the visit was aimed at gathering firsthand insights to enrich their report and ensure recommendations reflect the realities on the ground.

“We’ve gone around various LGAs, heard testimonies, and seen affected sites. Today, we are in Jos South to see things for ourselves—places like Gero, Rafin Bona, and the 2010 Dogo Nahawa massacre site,” Rogas said.

The delegation visited Gero community, identified by local authorities as a strategic flashpoint due to its proximity to crisis zones and history of attacks. According to Hon. Dung, Gero often becomes a safe haven for displaced persons during crises in neighboring LGAs, further heightening tension and pressure on the area.

During a dialogue with the committee, Hon. Dung reiterated the call for the return of Ardos (Fulani community leaders) to reside among their people, as earlier agreed in peace talks, stressing that their physical presence is crucial to fostering accountability and coexistence.

“We believe peace is possible if the right measures are in place—state policing, active participation of traditional leaders, and firm political will,” he added.

Tribute to Victims of the 2010 Dogo Nahawa Massacre

The committee also paid a solemn visit to the mass grave of the 2010 Dogo Nahawa massacre, where over 500 lives were lost in a midnight attack. The counselor of Shen Ward, Hon. Damien Yam Dung, narrated how the attackers struck around 2:00 a.m., leaving a trail of destruction and sorrow.

“People were sleeping when gunshots started. Many were killed as they tried to flee. The attackers used long knives and guns. By the time security forces arrived, it was too late,” he recalled.

Moved by the sight, Major General Rogas remarked, “This massacre should never have happened. There is enough land for everyone. We must build the political will to ensure peace and never allow this again.”

“I Chose to Stay”: Survivor of 2010 Massacre Tells Committee

The delegation also met with Malam Inusa, an old Fulani man who remained in Dogo Nahawa before and after the massacre. He shared his story of resilience and long-standing ties with the community, where he has lived for over 40 years.

“This is my home. I refused to leave then, and I’m still here. I pray God gives us peace,” Malam Inusa said.

Committee Encourages Community Vigilance

Major General Rogas commended the Jos South leadership for its proactive stance and encouraged the formation of local peace monitoring teams to detect and de-escalate early warning signs of violence.

“We encourage you to set up district-level committees to serve as first responders. Call regular security meetings and engage the Fulani leaders who have migrated. Sustaining peace requires collective effort,” he said.

The visit ended with a symbolic stop at the Ten Commandments Prayer Ground, where the committee interceded for peace across Plateau State.