The President of the Plateau State Association USA (PSA-USA), Dr. Barth Shepkong, has issued a strong and urgent appeal to federal lawmakers representing Plateau State, urging them to speak up and take decisive action as violent attacks continue to devastate communities across the state and the wider Middle Belt region.
In a statement titled “Plateau Is Under Siege: We Demand That Our Lawmakers in Abuja Stand Up and Fight for Us,” Dr. Shepkong said Nigeria is at a critical turning point, as waves of insecurity increasingly test the nation’s moral resolve and political will. He described the ongoing attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Kanam, and other areas as a humanitarian crisis that demands an urgent national response.
Dr. Shepkong condemned what he termed the “deadly politicization of insecurity,” arguing that government officials and public discourse often downplay the scale of the violence through euphemistic labels such as “unknown gunmen,” “communal clashes,” or “miscreants.” According to him, such language distorts reality, diminishes the suffering of victims, and shields perpetrators from accountability.
“Every euphemism is a betrayal of the dead,” he said, adding that silence from political leaders emboldens those responsible for the attacks.
He expressed deep frustration over what he described as the “unacceptable silence” of Plateau’s federal lawmakers, saying the people did not elect representatives to “warm seats” in Abuja. He criticised the absence of strong public statements, motions on the floor of the National Assembly, and demands for emergency protection for affected communities.
“Silence in a moment of moral crisis is not neutrality — it is failure,” he said, calling such inaction a breach of duty and a disservice to the people of Plateau.
The PSA-USA president stressed that Plateau communities are traumatised, exhausted, and feel abandoned as attacks persist. He urged lawmakers to rise above political caution and demonstrate courage, insisting that defending human life must take precedence over political ambition or party loyalty.
Dr. Shepkong called for a renewed commitment to truth, justice, and accountability, urging leaders at all levels to challenge false narratives and confront the insecurity with honesty and determination.
“As Plateau sons and daughters — at home and in the diaspora — our call is clear: end the politicization of insecurity, speak boldly with moral clarity, and demand protection for our people,” he said.
He concluded by emphasising that Nigeria’s peace and future stability depend on leaders willing to uphold human dignity and defend endangered communities without hesitation.
“This is the leadership Plateau deserves. This is the leadership the Middle Belt needs. And this is the leadership Nigeria must demand — now,” he stated.