As part of its ongoing assessment tour across Plateau State’s 17 local government areas, the High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee visited Langtang North LGA on Saturday, July 26, 2025, to engage with stakeholders and gather insights on local security dynamics.
The delegation, led by Chairman Maj. Gen. Nicholas Ragas (Rtd), was received by Deputy Chairperson of the Council, Hon. Deborah Daniel, on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, who was unavoidably absent. Accompanying her were heads of security agencies, council officials, and members of the legislative arm.
In his address, Maj. Gen. Ragas emphasized the purpose of the committee’s visit, which was to uncover root causes of the recurring violence across Plateau and proffer practical recommendations. “This crisis has lingered for over two decades. The Governor has mandated us to move across the state, interact with communities, and understand the peculiar challenges each one faces, so we can help restore lasting peace,” he said.
He acknowledged the relative calm in Langtang North, contrasting it with the violence experienced in other LGAs like Riyom and Bassa. “We are here to understand why peace has endured here. Your experience might offer lessons to replicate elsewhere,” he added.
Responding, Hon. Deborah Daniel thanked the committee and applauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang for initiating the process. She explained that Langtang North has largely been spared the kind of widespread attacks seen in other parts of the state but struggles with internal land disputes between communities.
“We are peaceful and accommodating people. What we mostly contend with are land disputes, not violent attacks. But that does not mean we are indifferent to what is happening elsewhere in the state,” she stated.
She appealed for greater inclusion of women in peace and governance processes, noting that out of ten committee members, only two were women. “Women are natural peacebuilders, and our voices should be included more in initiatives like this,” she said.
Following the reception, the committee held a closed-door meeting with local security chiefs at the council secretariat. They also visited the palace of His Royal Highness, Nimnan Langnim, the Ponzhi Zinni of Langtang, to interface with the traditional council.
Speaking to journalists, the Ponzhi Zinni emphasized the community’s commitment to peace through what he described as the “principle of collective responsibility.” He noted, “We watch each other’s backs. Sacrifice and tolerance are key. We place collective interest above personal gain.”
The Deputy Chairperson further reiterated the community’s peaceful disposition. “We are peacemakers. If anyone abides by our rules, they enjoy peace here. Our only challenge remains land-related disagreements, which we try to resolve amicably,” she said.
Concluding the visit, Maj. Gen. Ragas commended the people of Langtang North for maintaining harmony, describing it as a “land of generals” and a model of community cohesion. “There may be minor boundary and land issues, but we have not heard of coordinated attacks or killings here. We will factor this into our final report. What we seek are workable solutions that reflect the realities on the ground,” he said.
The committee is expected to continue its engagement with other LGAs in its bid to develop a comprehensive report to guide the state government in ending the cycle of violence across Plateau State.