The Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee continued its statewide assessment tour with visits to Kanam and Kanke Local Government Areas on Monday, July 28, 2025, as part of efforts to understand the root causes of violence in the state and develop sustainable peace strategies.
In Kanam LGA, the committee was received at the council secretariat by the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Aliyu S. Ali, who represented the Executive Chairman, Alhaji Alhassan Isa. He was accompanied by council officials, political appointees, and the Commander of Sector 2, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Colonel Olugbenga Osuntuyi, alongside other security chiefs.
Speaking during the visit, Committee Chairman Maj. Gen. Nicholas Rogers (rtd) emphasized that Governor Caleb Mutfwang mandated the committee to consult with communities across the state and offer practical recommendations toward lasting peace.
“We are here to understand the triggers of violence in your communities—whether land disputes, banditry, or other tensions—so that we can advise the government on durable solutions,” he said. “We want to hear from the people directly. Plateau is the Home of Peace and Tourism, and we must restore that image.”
In his response, Hon. Aliyu expressed appreciation for the committee’s visit, describing it as timely and necessary.
“This engagement is of high importance to us because peace is the foundation upon which all other dividends of democracy are built,” he said. “We are grateful that His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is prioritizing peacebuilding. Kanam has had its share of insecurity, but we remain one of the most peaceful LGAs and are committed to maintaining that status.”
The committee later held a closed-door session at the palace of the Emir of Kanam, HRH Alh. Muhammadu Mu’azu Muhammadu II, who received them with district heads, youth and women leaders, and members of the traditional council.
In an interview, the Emir traced the historical origins of Kanam and reaffirmed the role of traditional institutions in uniting diverse ethnic and religious groups.
“We have always worked to promote love and cooperation among our people, regardless of background,” the Emir said. “We support the government’s efforts and encourage citizens to actively participate in peacebuilding.”
He commended the committee for its grassroots engagement, adding, “Their visit has given us the opportunity to speak directly and truthfully—not from reports, but from the realities of our people.”
In Kanke LGA, the committee was welcomed by the Chairman, Hon. Lapching Ezet Golime, Deputy Chairperson Hon. Grace Tamua, Secretary, councillors, and other officials at the council secretariat.
Commending the youthful leadership of the council, Maj. Gen. Rogers expressed confidence in the area’s capacity for growth and peace.
“We’re impressed by the energy and commitment here,” he said. “Kanke has shown resilience, with issues like kidnapping and land disputes being addressed proactively. The absence of frequent attacks and cattle rustling here is a positive sign.”
Chairman Lapching, who recounted personal experiences during past crises, praised the formation of the fact-finding committee and expressed hope that its findings would help restore Plateau’s lost glory.
“We have highlighted our peculiar challenges, especially inter-lineage disputes over land and traditional leadership,” he stated. “We believe the committee’s work will rekindle hope across Plateau communities and bring back the peaceful Plateau we once knew.”
The committee also held a closed-door session with senior district and village heads, traditional rulers, and security operatives in Kanke.
Concluding the visits, Maj. Gen. Rogers noted the unique security concerns in both LGAs.
“In Kanam, the major issues involve security threats from surrounding forests near Bauchi, Taraba, and Wase, including banditry and infiltration,” he said. “We’ve advised both the local authorities and security agencies accordingly.”
“In Kanke, we are encouraged by the leadership’s approach. The few concerns—such as kidnapping and minor land disputes—are being managed well. We’ll incorporate these findings in our final report to the Governor.”
The committee’s visits to Kanam and Kanke are part of a broader engagement across all 17 LGAs in Plateau State to gather community-level input for a comprehensive peace and development strategy.