The Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee on Monday conducted an assessment tour of Jos South Local Government Area as part of its statewide mandate to investigate the root causes of recurring violence and recommend sustainable peace strategies.
The committee, inaugurated by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in May 2025 is chaired by retired Major General Nicholas Rogas and includes notable figures such as 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, and Barr. Timothy Parlong, who serves as Secretary.
On Monday 30th June, upon arrival at the Jos South LGA Secretariat, the committee was welcomed by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, alongside other council officials. They held a closed-door meeting with heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).
While introducing the committee, Secretary Barr. Timothy Parlong emphasized its independence and credibility. “The Governor had to go outside Plateau to find men and women of high integrity. I’m the only Plateau indigene on the committee. We are here to investigate why the violence has persisted for over two decades, and how we can stop or at least reduce it,” he said.
Committee chairman, Maj. Gen. Rogas (Rtd), reiterated their commitment: “We have been visiting LGAs, listening to the people, and inspecting sites. Our visit to Jos South is part of that effort. From our interactions, it is clear that all ethnic groups—Berom, Hausa, Fulani, Mwagavul—desire peace.”
*Jos South Chairman Calls for State Policing*
In his welcome address, Hon. Dung expressed gratitude to the Governor for initiating the committee. He noted that while Jos South had not witnessed as frequent attacks as other LGAs, the area has suffered significantly from spillover violence.
“I hesitate to call these ‘farmer-herder clashes’—what we’ve faced are outright acts of terrorism. Killings, land occupations, and kidnappings are realities here. One of my strongest recommendations is state policing. As chairman, I cannot direct immediate action during a crisis because local DPOs must wait for orders from faraway command centers. We need trained local personnel who understand the terrain and can act swiftly.”
*Gero: A Historic Flashpoint*
The committee visited Gero community in Gyel District, described as a strategic yet volatile area. “Anytime there’s a crisis, Gero is mentioned,” the chairman said. “It shares borders with four LGAs—Bassa, Jos North, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi—and often becomes a refuge during nearby attacks.”
He added that Gero’s rich mining deposits and farmlands make it attractive yet contested territory. “During the day, locals mine. At night, herders take over. Most miners don’t live here. Violence typically occurs at exit points, not the sites themselves.”
Asked whether the conflict is ethnic or resource-driven, the chairman responded, “It’s both. The attraction is largely the minerals beneath. There are also allegations of military involvement, though unproven.”
He further suggested that the return of absent traditional rulers (Ardus) to their domains could bolster peace efforts.
Commending the local administration, Maj. Gen. Rogas advised, “Set up district peace committees that can act fast in conflict situations. Hold regular security meetings. And please, engage Fulani leaders who have left, to bring them back into the peace process.”
*Visit to Dogo Nahawa Mass Grave*
The committee also visited the mass grave in Gye Bure community, site of the March 7, 2010 massacre in Dogo Nahawa, where over 500 people were killed.
Councilor Hon. Damien Nyamdu recounted the tragic night: “The attackers—identified by witnesses as Fulani—struck at 2 a.m., armed with guns and knives. Homes were burned, entire families killed. It was chaos.”
Moved by the visit, Maj. Gen. Rogas said: “This massacre should never have happened. We are here to ask: What led to this? Why are we killing each other? How do we stop it? There’s enough land for everyone—why kill?”
*Survivor Story*
While at the site, the committee met Malam Inusa, an old Fulani man residing in the community before, during, and after the massacre. According to community leaders, he refused to flee despite warnings, choosing instead to remain with neighbors he had lived among for decades.
“I’ve been here over 40 years,” Inusa said. “Even my people in Kaduna now say I’m more Plateau than Fulani. This is home. I pray for peace for everyone.”
*Ten Commandments Prayer Site*
The committee concluded their Jos South visit with prayers for peace at the Ten Commandments Prayer Ground, reflecting on the magnitude of their task and the hope for a peaceful Plateau.