Plateau crises: Reps panel invites Mutfwang, Lalong to security conference

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Security Challenges in Plateau State has invited Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors, and other key stakeholders from the state to a high-level security conference aimed at addressing the lingering violence and recurring attacks in Plateau. Chairman of the committee, Dr Wale Hammed, said the event is part of […]

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Security Challenges in Plateau State has invited Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors, and other key stakeholders from the state to a high-level security conference aimed at addressing the lingering violence and recurring attacks in Plateau.

Chairman of the committee, Dr Wale Hammed, said the event is part of efforts to gather actionable recommendations and ideas to halt the cycle of killings, especially in communities such as Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu local government areas.

The lawmaker, who announced the call for memoranda from stakeholders, said the conference would provide a platform for inclusive dialogue and fact-finding to inform policy and intervention strategies.

Following debates on motions in May and June over killings in the state—including the murder of 13 residents in Rimi community, Basawa Sabon, in Mangu— the House resolved to convene the conference and initiate an investigation into the spate of violence, including attacks on travellers.

Dr. Hammed said the committee is acting under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to ensure fair hearing and robust stakeholders’ engagements.

Among those expected at the conference are Governor Mutfwang; former Governors Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang and Joshua Dariye; federal and state lawmakers from Plateau; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; religious leaders; and heads of security agencies, including the Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and officials of Operation Safe Haven—both current and former.

Civil society groups, youth leaders, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Miyetti Allah, the Plateau Initiative for the Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), and international peacebuilding bodies such as the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the African Union Peace and Security Division have also been invited.

Hammed noted that only a responsive parliament can rise to the challenge of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that the conference seeks to provide solutions, not deepen divisions.

He urged all invited parties to actively participate and submit memoranda to aid the committee’s work, noting that the outcomes will help shape government actions toward lasting peace in Plateau State.