The Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee has expressed optimism that its continued engagements with stakeholders across crisis-affected communities will yield practical and lasting solutions to the violence that has plagued the state for over two decades.
During a recent visit to Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, the committee—constituted by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to investigate the root causes of violent conflict from 2001 to date—met with traditional rulers, youth leaders, religious representatives, security agencies, and displaced residents in a bid to understand local concerns and proffer recommendations for sustainable peace.
Committee Chairman, Major General Nicholas Rogers (Rtd), while addressing stakeholders at the Barkin Ladi council secretariat, reaffirmed the committee’s mandate to listen, learn, and collaborate with communities to chart a path forward.
“We are here today as members of the Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee, constituted in response to the persistent killings and destruction across the state. We want to hear directly from you—what has sustained this conflict, and how can we collectively end it? Everyone we’ve met across the state—Berom, Fulani, Hausa—wants peace.”
The Chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Hon. Stephen Gyang Pwajok, in his remarks, welcomed the delegation and stressed the need for community policing and more localized security arrangements.
“The crisis that began in 2001 has deeply affected us here. Though we are currently enjoying relative peace, incidents still occur, such as the recent killing of a resident in Yindi Akwati. I thank the Governor for his vision and pray this committee’s work yields fruitful results,” he said.
As part of the assessment, the committee, alongside officials from the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), visited Kakun, Lahuru, Ropp, Libiring, and Gashish communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, as well as Barkin Ladi community in neighboring Riyom LGA.
In Kakuru-Gashish, community member Sunday Joshua shared the grim memory of a mass grave from the July 7, 2012, massacre.
“Over 60 people from this village alone were buried here. We are encouraged by your visit and hope that displaced communities will be supported to return,” he said.
The committee also gathered accounts of a recent daylight killing of three individuals in March 2025 over grazing disputes in the area.
At Lobiring, the community chairman recounted a coordinated attack that displaced five villages, including the burning of the district head’s palace and the massacre of 21 residents on May 19, 2015.
“This is the palace of the Da Gwom Rwey of Barkin Ladi, Mr. Edward Gangboard. It was completely burnt down. Security personnel were here, but they couldn’t stop the attack. Our school in John village, which once had 500 students, is now deserted and occupied,” he lamented.
The committee’s visit continued in Mahanga, Riyom LGA, where they met with Fulani leaders, including the Ardo of Riyom, Mallam Mahmud Adam, Alhaji Bello Adamu of Miyetti Allah, and JNI Chairman Alhaji Merto Albarka, who previously had not engaged with the committee due to deep divisions between Berom and Fulani communities.
During a closed-door session, the Ardo’s secretary, Abdullah Yusuf, raised key issues including insecurity, marginalization, lack of compensation, and the complete absence of government infrastructure in the area.
“We are not terrorists. We are peaceful people. There’s no school, hospital, or borehole here. Our cows are killed, our children are attacked, and we receive no support or compensation. When our cattle are gone, our livelihood is gone,” he stated.
The Fulani leaders also lamented the negative stereotyping of Mahanga, frequent association with violence, and perceived government neglect.
“When there’s a crisis in Plateau, people say ‘Mahanga did it.’ Yet we live without any government presence. We’ve been accused, displaced, and ignored,” one elder said.
They emphasized their desire for peace but expressed concern about whether the committee’s recommendations would be implemented.
“We are ready for peace, but peace cannot be achieved through threats or violence. What we want is fairness and inclusion,” the Ardo said.
Responding to the concerns, Major General Rogers (Rtd) acknowledged the fears surrounding Mahanga and pledged to ensure that all voices are reflected in the committee’s final report.
“We are here to build trust and promote peace. We’ve heard you, and we will carry your message forward. The committee will make actionable recommendations, but the implementation lies with political will.”
The Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee is expected to conclude its statewide assessments and submit a report with comprehensive findings and policy recommendations aimed at fostering reconciliation, rebuilding trust, and ending cycles of violence in Plateau State.
