The newly inaugurated committee on insecurity in Plateau State has commenced investigations into attacks across communities from 2001 to date. The committee has been tasked with identifying the number of affected communities and casualties recorded over the 24-year period.
Speaking during an interview on JayFM’s Policy Pulse with Yemi Kosoko, the committee chairman, Major General Nicholas Rogers (Rtd), revealed that memoranda will soon be dispatched to communities across the state’s senatorial districts to gather firsthand information on attacks, casualty figures, and alleged sponsors.
“We want people to open up and tell us—identify people they think are responsible, with concrete evidence—so we can make necessary recommendations,” he said.
According to him, while various communities, security agencies, state authorities, and hospitals will provide relevant statistics, the process may take a few months. “The most important thing is to find solutions. Even if it takes two or three months, it doesn’t matter,” he said, emphasizing the committee’s resolve to produce implementable recommendations.
Nicholas noted that the committee would review past reports—including those by the Justice Niki Tobi and the late Justice Bola Ajibola panels—and integrate applicable findings.
He praised the Plateau State Governor for appointing a diverse committee with members largely from outside the state to ensure neutrality and objectivity. “This committee is made up of people with integrity and national perspective,” he stated.
Reflecting on his tenure as commander of the Special Task Force (STF), he explained that local dialogue and intelligence gathering, continuous town hall meetings, and fair restitution mechanisms helped reduce tensions. Communities were held responsible for cattle rustling and farm destruction during his time—measures he believes should be revived.
“The issue of security is not just for security agencies alone—it is people-centric,” he noted, advocating for improved community reporting, grassroots collaboration, and the adoption of technology in security operations.
He welcomed the idea of state policing and encouraged closer collaboration among military, paramilitary, and vigilante groups. He also supported ranching as a sustainable solution to open grazing, calling it a modern and humane practice that could reduce conflict and allow young herders access to education.
“Nobody is doing open grazing in the world anymore. It’s outdated. We must educate our people towards group ranching and proper livestock management,” Nicholas stressed.
As the committee continues its work, it promises to engage directly with affected communities and remain open to public submissions. A secretariat and communication channels will be announced soon.
