News

Plateau Peace Practitioners Network express sadness over renewed attacks in the state

Published

4 years ago

April 29, 2023

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The Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), has expressed sadness over the resurgence of violence in parts of Plateau state.

Pwakim, Jacob Choji the Chairman of the Network made this known in a statement in Jos the Plateau state capital on Friday following the recent attacks within parts of Riyom Local Government Area.

The Statement Reads:

We are using this medium to extend our condolences and solidarity to the immediate families of the victims, the state, and humanity as a whole because, a violation of the rights of anyone is a violation of all people. May the souls of the deceased find peace, and may their deaths be a reminder of the need for leaders saddled with the mandate to protect and be true to their responsibilities.

There is no doubt that the government, non profit organizations, most members of the network, the donor community, and people of goodwill have made concerted efforts to address the persistence of violent conflicts in Plateau State through diverse approaches and interventions that have reduced the fragility of the state in the past.

Nonetheless, the fragility of the Plateau state has taken on new dimensions. From the usual religious antagonism Plateau state is regrettably known for, where parties to the conflict are identified for dialogue, peace treaties are signed, capacity building of the parties for conflict transformation is enhanced, and other engagements are done to address violent conflicts and build a peaceful Plateau state, Plateau is now faced with major concerns where gun people who have been conveniently called “unknown gunmen” attack citizens of this state without documented evidence of arrest and prosecution.

This is worrisome and unacceptable to the network. We wrote to the governor and made the following requests:

1. He should address the citizens of the state through a state broadcast on the actions that have been taken or should be taken to address the widespread tension, fear, and anxiety caused by the upsurge in attacks. The address should also provide citizens with hope, knowing that those tasked with protecting them have not abandoned them to their fate.

2. We also appealed that the medical needs of the survivors be met by the government, including assurance of security and safety, to avoid the clear case of praying for people to “rest in peace” rather than to “live in peace.”

3.We called on him to make a frantic effort to hand over a state free of heightened insecurity as a legacy to the next government and the Plateau people. This should be done by directing the Plateau Peace Building Agency to collaborate with the Peace Practitioners Network and other critical stakeholders to avoid the escalation of these attacks while charging security to deal with this resurgence as a major threat to life and property, particularly during this transition period when conflict marchants may seek to exploit the state.

While we have requested proactiveness on the part of the government and the state agencies to take responsibility for the enforcement of law and order, we have the following appeal for the citizens:

1. Community members should activate early warning and early response mechanisms in their communities in collaboration with state agencies. Where early warning is shared with state authorities without satisfactory action, communities can reach out to the National Human Rights Commission at Plot 12677, Laminga/Liberty Dam Road, Rikkos Village, Jos, and also report to any credible civil society organization. Let’s put it straight, the state security agencies have also made commitments to the peace of the state, but they may not be devoid of bad elements who decided to act unprofessionally, thereby denting the good image of the agencies.

2. Communities must avoid isolated movements, especially as the farming season is fast approaching. They must think of safety and security first.

3. As legitimate as community protests and demands for safety and security are, people must avoid situations in which road users are inconvenienced as they draw attention to their plights. People must be more diplomatic and use less vulnerable methods of seeking enforcement, no matter how difficult it is. Communities are put at greater risk as a result of jungle justice due to these protests being taken advantage of.

While we hope for a
peaceful Plateau and Nigeria, we are confident that by working together, these attacks will one day be a thing of the past. Dear citizens of Plateau State, PEACE is a goal; let’s pursue it, grab it, and live it. Live and let’s live…

The Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), a network of local and international NGOs and CSOs whose members are committed to a just and peaceful society where everybody lives in harmony despite political, religious, and ethnic differences for the attainment of sustainable development, is saddened over what appears to be the resurgence of violent attacks in rural communities in Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi local government councils of Plateau state

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Education

PLASGEOC Raises Alarm Over Child Marriage, Calls for Greater Protection of Girls in Plateau

Published

16 minutes ago

November 5, 2026

PlateauReports

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (PLASGEOC) has called for stronger community action against child marriage, warning that the practice exposes girls to gender-based violence, trafficking, educational disruption and other forms of abuse.

Chairperson of the Commission, Olivia Dazel, made the call during an engagement to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, held on October 5 at Villa Grand Hotel, Jos, with the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”

Dazel described child marriage as a major contributor to gender-based violence, stressing that it deprives girls of education, limits their opportunities and exposes them to physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

She noted that Plateau State already has legal provisions prohibiting child marriage, including the Child Rights Law 2005, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission Law.

“Early marriage for the girl child exposes her to sexual and gender-based violence. One of the very dangerous consequences is the withdrawal of the child from education or the termination of her educational pursuit. That opportunity terminates her future,” she said.

Dazel urged parents and community leaders to ensure that girls remain in school, acquire skills and become empowered to make informed decisions about their lives. She also encouraged girls to speak out against abuse and other violations of their rights.

Earlier, the Secretary of PLASGEOC, Barrister Nalong Gumut, described the commemoration as a call to action, urging stakeholders to work collectively towards ending early marriage and creating opportunities for girls to thrive.

“Every girl deserves childhood and education and a chance to thrive,” Gumut said, adding that the engagement was designed to enlighten girls on their rights and develop practical strategies for addressing early marriage.

A particularly moving moment at the event was the testimony of a survivor of early marriage, Cinthian, who recounted how teenage pregnancy interrupted her secondary education and led to an abusive marriage.

She further narrated how attempts to seek better opportunities through friends exposed her to human trafficking and sexual exploitation across different countries.

According to her, intervention by the Gender Commission, following contact with her parents, eventually helped facilitate efforts towards her rescue.

Speaking on the rights of the girl child, the Plateau State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Pukuma Uko Felix, said girls are entitled to fundamental rights, including education, identity, freedom of expression, dignity and protection from harmful cultural practices.

He stressed that protecting girls is not merely a moral responsibility but a legal obligation, urging the Commission to extend similar awareness engagements to parents to help them understand their responsibilities.

Also speaking, presenter on child marriage and its consequences, Yonpan Dariem, highlighted its effects on girls’ health, education, safety, livelihood and dignity, urging girls to understand their rights, report abuse and seek help from trusted adults.

Students who participated in the engagement also called for increased awareness, stronger enforcement of existing laws and support for girls affected by early pregnancy.

One of the students, Favour Wetkos of Federal Government College, Jos, stressed the need for government to support affected girls rather than abandon them.

She said, “They should encourage them and make them understand that that is not the end of life. There is more even after pregnancy. They can be single mothers. We have stories of single mothers who have thrived.”

Similarly, Adoh Ethel Joseph Izang of St. Theresa’s Girls College, Jos, called for mental health support, educational assistance and help with childcare for girls who become pregnant early, noting that they should still have opportunities to achieve their ambitions.

Community leaders and representatives of religious and cultural organisations also pledged support for efforts to address the practice.

Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) reaffirmed the importance of equal opportunities for girls, stressing that they deserve the same education, welfare and privileges as boys.

“I have two daughters, and I am very proud of them. Everything that I should have given to a boy child, I am giving to my girl child,” he said, calling on communities to protect the rights of girls in their homes and societies.

The engagement brought together stakeholders, students, community representatives and government institutions to discuss practical ways of ending child marriage and strengthening the protection of girls across Plateau State.

News

Plateau Govt Hails Council Chairmen as Inspection Tour Reveals Projects Across 17 LGAs

Published

1 hour ago

November 5, 2026

PlateauReports

The Plateau State Government has commended the 17 Local Government Council Chairmen for their commitment to grassroots development following a statewide inspection tour of completed and ongoing projects across the three senatorial zones of the state.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, gave the commendation on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during a press briefing in Jos, where he presented the findings of the ministry’s inspection exercise.

The tour, which covered all 17 Local Government Areas, was organised to assess the progress and quality of projects initiated by the respective councils, ensure accountability in the utilisation of public funds and determine how effectively local government resources are translating into tangible benefits for residents.

Gar explained that the exercise was part of the ministry’s statutory responsibility to monitor, inspect, guide and provide technical support to local governments, particularly in administration, financial management and the delivery of essential services.

The inspection team comprised the ministry’s management staff, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jonathan Dabo, representatives of Civil Society Organisations and members of the media.

Expressing satisfaction with the projects inspected, the Commissioner said the performance of the council chairmen demonstrated their commitment to the development vision of the Mutfwang administration.

“I am pleased to report that the 17 Council Chairmen have not disappointed the ‘Time Is Now’ administration. Providing dividends of democracy at the grassroots remains the top priority of this administration. From what we have seen, governance has truly been taken closer to the people,” Gar stated.

Southern Zone: Councils Invest in Infrastructure, Healthcare and Security

The inspection exercise began in the Southern Senatorial Zone, where the team assessed several projects targeting infrastructure development, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and security.

Projects inspected included the ongoing remodelling of youth centres, mini stadiums, Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, legislative chambers, solar-powered streetlights, primary healthcare facilities, motorised boreholes and housing estates for legislators.

The team also visited the Wase Rock Radio and Television Station and facilities at the temporary headquarters of the 175 Infantry Motorcycle Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

Gar described the councils’ support for facilities connected to security operations as a demonstration of the important role local governments can play in strengthening peace and security within their communities.

Central Zone: 23km Road, Healthcare Facilities Feature in Inspection

In the Central Senatorial Zone, the inspection team visited Kanam, Kanke, Pankshin, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, where it assessed several completed and ongoing projects.

A major highlight was the 23-kilometre Gugur Road construction project in Kanke LGA, which is expected to improve transportation and connectivity for residents and communities along the route.

Other projects inspected included the remodelled Dengi Multipurpose Hall, primary healthcare centres and the 1,500-capacity event hall in Mangu.

At Plateau State University, Bokkos, the team inspected a 200-capacity Anatomy Laboratory reportedly funded by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

The inspection also covered the Palace of the Ngolong Ngas and transformers provided for rural electrification, reflecting investments in traditional institutions, educational infrastructure and electricity supply.

Northern Zone: Bridges, Markets and Rural Electrification Under Assessment

The Northern Senatorial Zone, which constituted the final phase of the exercise, covered Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas.

In the zone, the team inspected projects designed to improve healthcare delivery, rural connectivity, commercial activities, security and administrative efficiency.

Among the facilities visited were primary healthcare centres at Sabon Gari, Chinye-Miango, Garba Daho and Furaka, as well as rural electrification projects in Miango.

The inspection also covered council secretariat complexes, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres and ultra-modern markets at Rishari-Rutara and Zarakon.

Other notable infrastructure included bridges linking Farin Gada to Rusau and Vwang to Kogot, police station outposts, and town halls in Kwang and Kuru.

According to the Commissioner, the projects reflect efforts by the respective councils to address the developmental needs and priorities of their communities.

Gar Appreciates Mutfwang, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Development

Assessing the overall outcome of the statewide exercise, Gar maintained that the projects inspected across the 17 LGAs were largely people-oriented and aligned with the needs of residents.

He emphasised that sustained commitment by council chairmen, alongside effective collaboration with the state government, remained critical to achieving inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots.

The Commissioner also appreciated Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support and cooperation, noting that the ministry and local government councils had been given the opportunity to discharge their responsibilities without undue interference.

He further commended the 17 Council Chairmen, traditional institutions, media organisations and Civil Society Organisations for their cooperation and participation throughout the inspection exercise.

The statewide inspection underscores the Plateau State Government’s emphasis on accountability, effective service delivery and inclusive development through the local government system.

With projects covering roads, healthcare, education, electricity, security, markets, youth development and community infrastructure, the exercise provided an opportunity to evaluate how public resources are being deployed to improve living conditions and extend the benefits of governance to communities across Plateau State.