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Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee Meets Traditional Council Over Incessant Attacks
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.
To the right is the chairman of the committee and to the left is the secretary of the committee
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
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.
Nigeria has received multiple funding offers from investors and institutional lenders, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has said.
Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg TV, Mr Oyedele said the current market environment presents an opportunity for the country to refinance some of its existing debt while mobilising additional resources for development.
“We think that the timing is good for us to be able to maybe even refinance some of our expensive past debts, but also to raise more funding for our development at this critical time,” he said.
Responding to questions on whether Nigeria would pursue a Eurobond issuance or other commercial financing options, the minister said any decision would depend on prevailing market conditions, the amount of funding required and the speed at which the government intends to access the funds.
He noted that the country currently has several financing options available.
“We have a lot of offers, there is a lot of interest in Nigeria by investors, which is good for us,” Mr Oyedele said.
He added that Nigeria is also engaging with institutional lenders, including the African Finance Corporation (AFC), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Afreximbank, alongside financing arrangements involving other countries.
“We have many options,” he noted.
ALSO READ: Nigeria eyes debt refinancing, fresh funding — Oyedele
Mr Oyedele explained that the government would carefully evaluate the cost, risks and suitability of available funding sources before deciding on the most appropriate financing strategy.
According to him, the objective is to ensure efficient use of resources while supporting the country’s development priorities.
“The goal is to get the best results from every dollar or every naira that we spend,” he said.
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