The Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee, set up by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to identify the root causes of the prolonged crises in the state, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, visited Jos East Local Government Area as part of its ongoing engagements with communities across the state.
The delegation, led by retired Major General Nicholas Rogers, was received at the council secretariat by the Executive Chairman of Jos East LGA, Hon. Markus Usaini Nyam, alongside his cabinet members, councillors, and other local stakeholders. The visit also included a stop at the palace of His Royal Highness, the Agwom Izere, Rev. Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, where a closed-door meeting was held with traditional rulers, youth leaders, religious figures, women leaders, and security personnel.
Speaking during the visit, General Rogers explained that the committee’s mandate is to uncover the causes behind the persistent insecurity in Plateau State since 2001 and to proffer sustainable recommendations. He commended the relative peace in Jos East, describing it as “a local government where peace still prevails,” but acknowledged lingering security gaps.
“We know there are no major violent attacks here, but we’ve noted your concerns, especially on kidnapping and poor infrastructure,” Rogers said. “Even if all we report is that Jos East is peaceful but needs government intervention on roads, that alone is a worthy cause.”
In his remarks, Hon. Markus Usaini Nyam expressed gratitude to the governor for inaugurating the committee, describing it as a proactive move to tackle long-standing security challenges. He acknowledged that although Jos East has remained relatively peaceful, the LGA continues to face threats of kidnapping, largely due to its porous borders with Bauchi State and neighboring LGAs.
“Our greatest challenge has been kidnapping. Our paramount ruler was once abducted, so was a district head and a Reverend Father,” the chairman noted. “Although no suspects have been arrested, the voices during negotiations often resemble those of Fulani, but we can’t be certain. No one from our community has been linked to the crimes.”
The chairman also highlighted the difficulty of responding swiftly to security threats due to poor mobile network coverage and bad road infrastructure. He called on the committee to convey to the governor the urgent need for road construction linking the LGA to the state capital to ease movement for residents and security operatives alike.
Hon. Nyam further explained that collaboration with a Bauchi-based non-conventional security outfit known as “No-Bail” has helped to deter crime. “They assist us when the need arises, alongside our own local vigilantes and hunters. It’s one of the major reasons why things have calmed down,” he said.
At the palace of the Agwom Izere, the traditional council, including district heads and community leaders, welcomed the committee and offered prayers for their mission. The royal father, Rev. Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, lauded the composition of the committee and pledged full support for their work.
“We are grateful to Governor Mutfwang for choosing credible individuals for this task,” the Agwom said. “This committee is a sign of hope. It is our duty to be honest and give recommendations that will bring about true peace.”
In a post-visit interview, General Rogers reiterated the committee’s satisfaction with the relative peace in Jos East and emphasized the importance of community collaboration and infrastructural support.
“What we found here is encouraging. The issue of kidnapping is being addressed, but poor roads are a serious concern. We’ll recommend urgent government intervention in that regard,” he stated.
Also speaking, Hon. Nyam reiterated the importance of continued dialogue, intelligence sharing, and infrastructural development, noting that the LGA’s peaceful status must not be taken for granted.
The fact-finding committee includes prominent figures such as AVM Ibrahim Shafi’i (Rtd), Mr. Segun Adeniyi (Chief Editor of ThisDay), Jonathan Kure (Rtd SSS), Lawan Usman Safana (Rtd SSS), Justice Esther Lolo (Rtd), Yakubu Bawa (Legal Practitioner), Gad Shamaki (Civil Society Activist), Amina Elelu-Ahmed (Ex-Director Legal, NOA), and Timothy Parlong (Secretary, Retired Permanent Secretary in Plateau State).
The Jos East stop marks another step in the committee’s statewide consultations aimed at crafting a durable peace strategy for Plateau State.
