As part of its ongoing statewide assessment tour, the Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, visited Shendam Local Government Area, commending the area’s relative peace while calling for stronger community-based security structures to prevent future unrest.
The committee, chaired by retired Major General Nicholas Rogas, was received by the Executive Chairman of Shendam Local Government Council, Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, alongside the vice chairman and members of the executive council. The visit forms part of the committee’s mandate to investigate the root causes of recurring violent conflicts in Plateau State and recommend lasting solutions.
Speaking at the council secretariat, Committee Secretary, Barr. Timothy Parlong, reiterated the committee’s independence and credibility, stating that Governor Caleb Mutfwang deliberately selected non-indigenes to ensure fairness. “The governor had to go outside Plateau to find men and women of high integrity. I’m the only Plateau indigene on the committee,” he said.
In his remarks, the chairman, Maj. Gen. Rogas (rtd), emphasized the need for honest dialogue from stakeholders:
“We are not here to apportion blame but to understand. Tell us what the real issues are, name names, give figures—don’t talk about ‘unknown gunmen.’ We need facts to make solid recommendations,” he urged.
Chairman Nshe welcomed the team warmly and commended the governor’s foresight.
“What Governor Mutfwang has done is leadership by example. With only one Plateau person on the committee, we are confident of fairness. And I assure you of my full cooperation,” he said.
He credited Shendam’s relative peace to proactive engagement with the people, open communication, and youth empowerment through education and job creation.
“Once you engage the youths sincerely and provide them opportunities, the crime rate drops. That’s what we’ve done, and it’s working,” he added.
The committee also held a closed-door session with traditional rulers, security heads, youth representatives, and other stakeholders at the palace of His Royal Highness, Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, Long Gamai of the Gamai Nation and President of the Shendam Traditional Council.
In his post-meeting remarks, Long Gamai attributed Shendam’s peace to trust, community respect, and the historical role of traditional institutions in governance.
“We maintained security because everyone knew each other and respected the elders. The traditional institution was fully involved in administration and law enforcement. That system worked,” he noted, while advocating for the formal recognition of traditional rulers in security frameworks.
Commending the sincerity of the committee, he said,
“This committee has come with pure intentions. We opened up to them because they inspired trust. Their diversity is their strength.”
General Rogas, responding after the engagements, reaffirmed the committee’s appreciation for the peaceful efforts in Shendam.
“Shendam is an example of peaceful coexistence. We’ve seen unity among various ethnic groups here—Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Gamai. This is what Plateau should aspire to,” he said.
He added a warning against illegal arms possession, saying, “Anyone carrying a weapon without license is a danger to society and risks being neutralized. Let us all work for peace.”
The Shendam visit marks another step in the committee’s tour of Plateau’s 17 LGAs. Its final report will inform government action on restoring sustainable peace across the state.