The Plateau State fact-finding committee, constituted by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to investigate the remote and immediate causes of recurring attacks across the state, on Monday, June 16, 2025, held an interface with the Plateau State Traditional Council at the palace of His Royal Majesty, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR.
In attendance were His Royal Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs; His Royal Majesty, Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, Vice Chairman of the Council; members of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs; and the full membership of the Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the committee, Major General Nicholas Rogas (Rtd), assured the traditional rulers that the committee would carry out its assignment strictly in line with the mandate given by Governor Mutfwang.
“We will do our best to produce a report that would befit the terms of reference placed in our hands, while being just and fair to all. We will not let anyone or any group influence the outcome of this exercise, whether in identifying the facts or making recommendations,” he stated.
General Rogas appreciated the Gbong Gwom for receiving the committee and emphasized their determination to see an end to the killings in the state.
“We are happy to see all the traditional rulers present here today because the traditional institution is a very powerful one. We believe that in order to eradicate violence in Plateau State, your insights and perspectives are invaluable. This is why, starting tomorrow, we will begin visiting all your domains one after the other. We solicit your cooperation so that the attacks can end and Plateau can once again live up to its name as the Home of Peace and Tourism,” he added.
Responding, His Royal Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, welcomed the committee and stressed the urgency of addressing the violence plaguing the state.
“The fact-finding committee is indeed a much-needed initiative, and we appreciate the governor for inaugurating it. We at the traditional council level promise to cooperate, because these attacks seem to be getting out of hand. So be rest assured, we are ready to provide the support that you need—everything within our capacity. We pray God helps you find a lasting solution to these killings,” he said.
Barr. Timothy Parlong, Secretary of the committee, while introducing the members, noted that nine out of the ten members are not indigenes of Plateau State—a deliberate move to ensure impartiality.
“Your Majesty, it is important to note that this committee was carefully constituted with objectively assessed individuals of high integrity. Considering the impact and dynamics of the repeated violence affecting lives and properties in the state, the Governor had to go outside the state to select men and women of proven character. I am the only Plateau indigene on this committee,” he disclosed.
He also acknowledged the critical role of traditional institutions in peacebuilding and state governance.
“This committee has great respect for the traditional council because of the vital role you play in governance—providing leadership, local knowledge, and serving as the link between the government and the people. This is why, before engaging communities across the state, we deemed it necessary to pay homage to Your Royal Majesty and the Council,” he added.
Parlong further outlined the terms of reference of the committee, which was inaugurated on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Jos. These include:
- To establish the number of communities attacked from 2001 to May 2025
- To estimate the number of casualties
- To assess the extent of damage in affected communities
- To identify the perpetrators, possible motives, and sponsors of the attacks
- To trace the possible routes used by bandits and recommend measures to block them
- To identify victims and propose appropriate support strategies
- To recommend actionable steps to prevent a recurrence of the violence
He stated that the committee would engage community leaders, victims, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders across the state, and is expected to submit its findings within two months.
The committee has also invited the public to submit memoranda in 12 bound copies by June 7, 2025, to its secretariat at Habibu Shuaibu Lodge, behind the Old Government House, Jos.
Members of the fact finding committee are:
- Major General Nicholas Rogas (Rtd), Chairman
- Hon. Justice Esther Lolo
- Mr. Segun Adeniyi
- Prof. Liman Tukur
- Mr. Jonathan Kure
- Mr. Lawan Usman Safana
- Barr. Yakubu Bawa
- Mr. Gad Shamaki
- Hajiya Amina Elelu Ahmed
- Barr. Timothy Parlong, Secretary