The President of the Plateau State Association USA (PSA-USA), Dr. Barth Shepkong, has issued a forceful appeal to federal lawmakers representing Plateau State, urging them to speak out and take decisive action as violent attacks continue to ravage communities across the state and the wider Middle Belt region.
In a statement titled โPlateau Is Under Siege: We Demand That Our Lawmakers in Abuja Stand Up and Fight for Us,โ Dr. Shepkong warned that Nigeria is at a critical turning point, with escalating insecurity challenging the nationโs moral conscience and political will. He described the sustained attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Kanam, and other communities as a deepening humanitarian crisis requiring urgent national attention.
Dr. Shepkong condemned what he called the โdeadly politicization of insecurity,โ criticising the frequent use of terms such as โunknown gunmen,โ โcommunal clashes,โ or โmiscreantsโ to describe the violence. Such language, he said, distorts reality, minimizes victimsโ suffering, and shields perpetrators from scrutiny.
โEvery euphemism is a betrayal of the dead,โ he said, insisting that silence from political leaders only emboldens those behind the attacks.
Expressing deep frustration, the PSA-USA president criticised Plateauโs federal lawmakers for what he described as โunacceptable silence,โ arguing that the people did not elect representatives to โwarm seatsโ in Abuja. He noted the absence of strong public statements, legislative motions, and calls for emergency security intervention.
โSilence in a moment of moral crisis is not neutrality โ it is failure,โ he said, describing such inaction as a betrayal of public trust.
Dr. Shepkong emphasised that Plateau communities are traumatised, exhausted, and increasingly feel abandoned as the violence persists. He urged lawmakers to rise above political caution and demonstrate moral courage, noting that the protection of human life must outweigh political ambition or party loyalty.
He further called for renewed commitment to truth, justice, and accountability, urging leaders at all levels to confront the insecurity with honesty and resolve while challenging false or misleading narratives.
โAs Plateau sons and daughters โ at home and in the diaspora โ our call is clear: end the politicization of insecurity, speak boldly with moral clarity, and demand protection for our people,โ he stated.
Dr. Shepkong concluded by stressing that Nigeriaโs peace and long-term stability depend on leaders who are willing to defend vulnerable communities without hesitation.
โThis is the leadership Plateau deserves. This is the leadership the Middle Belt needs. And this is the leadership Nigeria must demand โ now.โ
A group, Women for Women Community, Plateau Chapter, has called for greater inclusion, fairness and equal political participation for women ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the groupโs Convener, Mrs Rhoda Jahota; Coordinator, Mrs Felicia Bala; and Secretary, Mrs Kauna Samuel.
The group said women remained critical stakeholders in peace building, economic growth, community leadership and family stability, stressing that their contributions should reflect in political leadership structures.
โAs vital stakeholders in peace, growth and development, women have continued to contribute immensely to nation-building, community leadership, economic advancement and family stability.
โIt is only right that these contributions are meaningfully reflected in our political leadership and decision-making structures,โ the statement said.
The group appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, political actors and other stakeholders in Plateau to support competent and visionary women seeking elective offices.
It also urged political party leaders and chairmen to ensure a fair, transparent and level playing field for female aspirants during party primaries and elections.
โThe inclusion of women on the ballot is not merely a political gesture,โ the group stated.
โIt is a necessary step toward strengthening democracy, promoting good governance and building a more inclusive society,โ it added.
The group further urged women, mothers and youths to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences in supporting credible female candidates.
According to the statement, leadership should be driven by integrity, competence, compassion and vision rather than gender, ethnicity or political affiliation.
โThe future of Plateau State is brighter when women are empowered to lead alongside men,โ the group stated.
โA society that gives women equal opportunity in governance is positioned for sustainable peace, justice, unity and development,โ it added.
The group described the advocacy as a call for progress, inclusion and transformational leadership, declaring that โit is Women OโClock on the Plateau.โ (NAN)