Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ending violence in Plateau State, delivering a strong message of peace and unity during his visit to the Operation SAFE HAVEN Headquarters in Jos on Sunday.
Speaking after meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and top military officials, Ribadu said he was in the state to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences and appreciation to the people and security forces following the recent wave of attacks that claimed several lives and displaced communities in Bokkos Local Government Area.
“I came to greet the people of Plateau, to bring condolences on behalf of President Bola Tinubu for what has happened in the past few days,” Ribadu said. “The President asked me to personally come and deliver this message—one of empathy, one of support, and one of hope.”
The NSA commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their swift response in quelling the crisis, noting that their prompt intervention helped avert a larger catastrophe.
“Nigeria will continue to be grateful to members of the armed forces and the security services,” he said. “We are going through difficult times, but it won’t last forever. Security is everyone’s responsibility. Our communities must also rise up. We’ve lived together for decades—now is the time to say, enough is enough.”
Ribadu stressed the need for collaboration among communities, the government, and the media, urging responsible reporting and peacebuilding efforts to help Plateau recover. “Even one life lost is one too many,” he said, while clarifying that some of the casualty figures circulating in the media were unverified. “The media must report the truth. That’s what helps us heal, and that’s what helps us progress.”
He acknowledged the complexity of the crisis, especially where criminals exploit minor disagreements to spark widespread violence. “People who live together must find ways to resolve issues peacefully, through dialogue. Mysterious criminals should not be allowed to take advantage of our communities,” Ribadu warned.
Reflecting on past challenges, Ribadu noted that despite current difficulties, the state had made significant progress. “If you remember Plateau 10 years ago, or even three or four years ago, you will see we have come a long way. We are not saying we are satisfied, but progress has been made,” he said. “The state government under Governor Mutfwang has been proactive, and the federal government is committed to doing even more.”
The NSA reiterated that peace remains the bedrock of any meaningful development. “If you do not live in peace, there is no way anything can work—no progress, no education, no health, nothing,” he emphasized.
He pointed to broader national security improvements, stating that incidents of violence and killings have dropped by over 90% in the last 10 months compared to 2022 and 2023. “Those who make life difficult are now the ones under pressure. They are on the run, and we will not stop until peace is fully restored.”
Ribadu concluded with a renewed commitment to peace and justice, stating that the federal government would continue to invest in security, support communities, and prosecute those behind the attacks. “The message from President Tinubu is clear—this must stop. And whatever it takes, we will ensure peace returns to Plateau and to every part of Nigeria.”