The Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee, constituted by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to investigate the remote and immediate causes of incessant attacks across the state, held an interface with the Plateau State Traditional Council on Monday, June 16, 2025. The meeting took place at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR.
In attendance were His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs; His Royal Majesty Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, Vice Chairman of the Council; other traditional rulers (chiefs and emirs); and all members of the high-powered fact-finding committee.
Barr. Timothy Parlong, Secretary of the committee, while introducing its members, stated that nine out of the ten members are non-indigenes of Plateau State to ensure objectivity and transparency.
“Your Majesty, it’s important to note that this committee was carefully constituted with clear-minded, objectively assessed persons, considering the impact and dynamics of the unfortunate and repeated violence that continues to affect lives and properties in the state. This is why the Governor had to go outside the state to source for men and women of high integrity to serve the state. The Secretary of this committee, which is myself, is the only member who is a Plateau indigene,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of the traditional institution in curbing insecurity, he added:
“This committee has great respect for and acknowledges the traditional council because of the vital role they play in state governance—providing leadership, local knowledge, and the link between the government and the people. This is why, before we make any contact with the various communities within the state, we deemed it necessary to first come and pay homage to Your Royal Majesty and Highnesses.”
Parlong also outlined the responsibilities of the committee, which was inaugurated on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Jos. The terms of reference include:
- To establish the number of communities attacked from 2001 to May 2025
- To establish the approximate number of casualties
- To assess the number of affected communities and the extent of the damage
- To identify perpetrators of the attacks, possible motives, and their sponsors
- To determine possible routes used by the bandits and propose measures to block them
- To identify victims and recommend appropriate support strategies for them and their communities
- To make recommendations on how to prevent future occurrences of violence
“The committee is expected to engage community leaders, victims, security agencies, and other stakeholders across the state and is to submit its findings within two months. We have called for public memoranda, to be submitted in 12 bound copies by June 7, 2025, to our secretariat at Habibu Shuaibu Lodge, behind Old Government House, Jos,” he added.
In his remarks, the committee chairman, Major General Nicholas Rogas (Rtd), assured that the committee would adhere strictly to its mandate.
“We will do our best to produce a report that would befit the terms of reference placed in our hands while being just and fair to all. We will not let anyone or any body influence the outcome of this exercise—be it in identifying the facts or the recommendations that will be produced,” he stated.
Rogas thanked the Gbong Gwom for receiving them and emphasized the committee’s commitment to ending the killings.
“We are happy to see all the traditional rulers present here today because the traditional institution is a very powerful institution. We believe that in order to get rid of the violence in Plateau State, your insight and perspective will go a long way. Starting tomorrow, we are going to visit all your domains one after the other. We solicit your cooperation so we can bring an end to the attacks and restore Plateau’s identity as the Home of Peace and Tourism.”
In response, His Royal Majesty, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, welcomed the committee and emphasized the urgency of ending the violence in the state.
“The fact-finding committee is indeed a much-needed initiative, and we appreciate the Governor for inaugurating the committee. We, at the traditional council level, promise to cooperate because these attacks seem to be getting out of hand. So be rest assured, we are ready to provide the support that you need. We are ready to give all that is needed from us that is within our capacity. We pray God helps you find a solution to these killings.”
Members of the committee include:
- Major General Nicholas Rogas (Rtd), Chairman
- Hon. Justice Esther Lolo
- Mr. Segun Adeniyi
- Prof. Liman Tukur
- Mr. Jonathan Kure
- Mr. Lawan Usman Safana
- Barr. Yakubu Bawa
- Mr. Gad Shamaki
- Hajiya Amina Elelu Ahmed
- Barr. Timothy Parlong, Secretary
