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Plateau Fact-Finding Chair Recommends Community-Led Safety Measures Amid Crises
Chairman of the Plateau State fact-finding committee, Major General Nicholas Rogas (Rtd), has urged communities in crisis-prone areas to develop their own defense systems, including vigilante groups and emergency response strategies, while awaiting military intervention. He made this appeal during the committee’s visit to Bokkos LGA, noting the terrain’s difficulty, sparse settlements, and slow security response time as reasons locals must act swiftly to protect themselves before help arrives.
As part of efforts to end the incessant attacks in Plateau State, the fact-finding committee constituted by Governor Caleb Mutfwang convened at Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) to understand the underlying issues fueling the violence and to propose practical recommendations that will help bring lasting peace.
Committee chairman, Bokkos chairman, committee secretary
On arrival, the committee was welcomed by the Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Amalau Samuel Amalau, who briefed them on the current situation.
“Welcome to Bokkos Local Government, the food basket of the state. I appreciate the governor for constituting this committee in these trying times. Since March 2025, we have experienced a series of attacks — lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and some districts deserted. Just last night, we had an incident of night grazing, and during the week, some houses were burnt down. Two days ago, two churches were burnt,” Amalau stated.
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Speaking on their efforts and challenges, he added, “Presently, we have three IDP camps, and with the help of the state government and other humanitarian groups, we’ve been able to provide some relief materials. However, our biggest challenge is accessing some affected communities due to the terrain. Security agents are trying their best, using bikes to reach these communities. We now have security presence in the IDP camps.”
The committee held three separate closed-door meetings with stakeholder heads, including representatives of the IJN, CAN, women leaders, community leaders, the traditional ruler and council of chiefs, the head of the Miyetti Allah, as well as the security apparatus.
His Royal Highness Lawrence Aizat, the acting Saf Ron of Bokkos, in his welcome address, stated, “We are peace-loving people and we want peace. We appreciate the governor for this initiative and are ready to work with you to ensure peace.”
At the end of the meetings, the committee chairman, Major General Nicholas Rogas (Rtd), stated that the issues in Bokkos mirrored those in Mangu LGA.
“The main issues raised were kidnapping, land grabbing, and open grazing, which affect both communities (Mangu and Bokkos). There were also reports of isolated killings. The stakeholders have proffered solutions and pledged to live together peacefully and improve their inter-community relations,” he noted.
Addressing the terrain challenges peculiar to Bokkos communities, the chairman said, “One of the major problems of this local government is the terrain. When an attack occurs, it is difficult for security agencies to get there on time. It’s part of the issues we discussed with the security personnel, and we will assess the recommendations provided. However, if they keep their promise to live together in peace, then the terrain will not be an issue. We are looking to bring an end to the attacks, not manage the aftermath.”
The committee visited the IDP camps and deserted communities, including the COCIN Church in Ir’Ngwapkap, where the pastor was killed while resisting a kidnapping attempt. The church premises are now being used as an IDP camp, with security presence stationed in the Ir’Ngwapkap district of the Mushere Chiefdom. They also visited the Horop IDP camp in the Horop district of the Mushere Chiefdom.
After assessing the communities, the committee chairman stressed the urgency of restoring peace and helping the displaced return home.
“We are in the Mbor community in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos LGA, and this community is completely deserted. All their houses have been burnt down, properties looted, and no one resides here. We will examine the situation critically, proffer recommendations, and forward them to the state government. One of the recommendations will possibly be support for the renovation of the houses so that the people can return, and to prevent outsiders from taking over their property. Additional security will also be needed,” he said.
“But one thing is important, and that is locals must find a way to protect themselves — by either creating vigilante groups or routines that can run around the clock before the military can arrive when problems arise. Considering the peculiarities of their terrain — sparsely built homes, long distances between settlements, poor road networks, and the general remoteness — they also need to develop a quick response mechanism they can implement before security agents arrive during crisis situations.”
On the idea of relocating farm communities for safety, he said, “That is a good idea, but it will be difficult to convince people because this kind of settlement is traditional and natural to them. Rather than doing that, it’s important to put an end to the attacks. We don’t want to displace people from their ancestral homes.”
A community leader in Mbor, Mushere Chiefdom, lamented the repeated invasions that eventually led to the burning of homes and the displacement of residents. Hon. Michael, President of the Mushere Chiefdom Development Association, expressed hope for stronger security following the committee’s visit.
“Now that the government has come to assess the situation on the ground, we hope to see more security agents in the community so that we can return to our farms. Even if the natives can’t come back to settle here yet due to the burnt houses, we hope to at least see enough security presence to allow us access to our farms and return to the neighboring villages or IDP camps, as almost all the natives are farmers,” he said.
Samuel, a victim whose house was burnt in Mbor, also expressed sorrow over his loss. He stated that his family is currently staying with relatives in Mangu.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has condemned the alleged assault and arrest of a medical doctor and two other health workers following the death of a patient at the Mother and Child Hospital, Mowe, an annex of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital (NPH), Aro, Ogun State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the association described the incident as “barbaric” and accused the police authorities of failing to arrest those responsible for the attack.
According to NARD, the incident occurred after a critically ill patient died while receiving emergency treatment at the hospital.
The association said relatives of the deceased allegedly attacked a doctor and other healthcare workers over claims that the doctor “killed” the patient.
Arrest after attack
NARD said the assaulted doctor, alongside a nurse and an administrative staff member who reportedly tried to rescue the doctor during the attack, were later arrested by the police.
“In an even more disturbing twist, the police reportedly arrested the assaulted doctor, alongside a nurse and an administrative staff member who had merely attempted to rescue the doctor from the violent attack, while the actual assailants walked free,” the statement said.
The association noted that although the doctor had been granted bail, “the matter remains unresolved, and justice is yet to be served.”
Demands
The association demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals allegedly involved in the assault.
It also called for “adequate compensation” for the doctor, nurse and administrative staff member affected by the incident, citing “physical assault, emotional trauma, and defamation suffered.”
It further requested the “immediate deployment and strengthening of security architecture within health facilities to protect healthcare workers and patients alike.”
The association also asked for assurances from security agencies and government authorities that healthcare workers “will no longer be subjected to such degrading treatment.”
A growing pattern
NARD said attacks on healthcare workers had become frequent across the country and called for urgent intervention by authorities.
“This continuous trend of harassment, bullying, intimidation, and physical assault on health workers across Nigeria has become unacceptable, intolerable, and must be decisively addressed by relevant authorities,” the statement added.
The incident is one of several reported attacks on healthcare workers across Nigeria.
In February, the association raised concerns over the assault of a resident doctor at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Ondo State, allegedly by relatives of a patient at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit.
In June, another doctor was allegedly assaulted by a patient’s relative while on duty. The incident later triggered a 72-hour warning strike by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) FMC Owo Chapter, which disrupted services at both the FMC and its Akure Annex.
Also in March, the South-east chapter of resident doctors threatened a regional strike after a doctor at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was allegedly assaulted by security personnel attached to a senior government official during an official visit to the facility.
In May, NARD condemned the assault of a doctor at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, during a protest by members of the host community.
The association described the incident as a threat to the safety of healthcare professionals and warned that repeated attacks on health workers could trigger wider industrial action.
In another case reported in May, NARD condemned the alleged assault of doctors and other health workers at the Emergency Department of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, following the death of a patient.
The association backed a 48-hour warning strike declared by doctors at the Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, following the alleged assault of health workers by relatives of a deceased patient at the hospital’s emergency unit.
Meanwhile, in 2024, NARD had called on the National Assembly to enact laws criminalising assaults on health workers following a series of attacks in hospitals.
READ ALSO: Abia doctors suspend indefinite strike after release of kidnapped surgeon
It cited incidents involving doctors and nurses at the Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State; Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital; UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo; and the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja.
Support for doctors
NARD said it stands with the ARD NPH Aro, regarding actions taken in response to the incident.
It also commended the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State branch, for its intervention and support.
“Healthcare workers are not punching bags. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement said.
Chairman of the Ogun State Football Association and Executive Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, has declared his total support for the second term bid of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, describing his administration as one that has restored credibility, stability, and direction to Nigerian football.
In a statement made available to journalists, Majekodunmi said Gusau’s leadership has brought renewed confidence to the football ecosystem through purposeful administration, improved stakeholder engagement, and visible progress across different levels of the game.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has shown uncommon dedication to the growth of football in Nigeria. His leadership style reflects sincerity, transparency, and a genuine passion for developing the game from the grassroots to the national level,” Majekodunmi stated.
The Ogun FA Chairman noted that under Gusau’s stewardship, Nigerian football has continued to witness improved organization, stronger collaboration among stakeholders, and increased attention to youth and grassroots football development.
According to him, continuity remains vital at this stage of Nigerian football development, stressing that the ongoing reforms and developmental initiatives initiated by the current NFF leadership deserve the opportunity to mature and produce long-term results.
“This is not the time to interrupt progress. Stability and continuity are critical for the future of our football. The foundations being laid today will strengthen the game for the next generation, and that is why I believe Alhaji Gusau deserves another term to continue his good work,” he added.
Majekodunmi also commended the NFF President for creating an atmosphere of unity within the football family and for consistently supporting programmes aimed at empowering young talents across the country.
He further called on football stakeholders nationwide to rally behind Gusau’s re-election bid in the interest of sustaining growth, deepening reforms, and positioning Nigerian football for greater achievements on the continental and global stage.
“Nigerian football needs leadership with vision, patience, and capacity. Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has demonstrated these qualities, and I strongly believe the future of our football will be brighter with continuity under his leadership,” Majekodunmi concluded.
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