House of Representatives launches Plateau State crisis investigation to address violence, engage stakeholders, and recommend lasting peace solutions
The House of Representatives has intensified efforts to resolve recurring violence in Nigeria’s central region through a comprehensive Plateau State crisis investigation.
The special ad-hoc committee, chaired by Wale Hammed, aims to uncover the root causes of killings and unrest that have disrupted communities and lives for years.
“The security situation and recurring violence in Plateau State are alarming. This investigation is designed to bring together stakeholders, listen to the people’s concerns, and convene a dialogue and security conference that will provide actionable solutions,” — Wale Hammed, Committee Chairman.
As part of the investigation, the committee visited former Governor Joshua Dariye at his Abuja residence.
Hammed emphasized that under Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen’s leadership, the House is working to engage all relevant stakeholders to identify practical solutions.
The committee has actively reached out to citizens through letters, newspapers, television, and radio stations, particularly those based in Plateau State.
Numerous memoranda have been submitted and are being reviewed to guide stakeholder consultations.
“Our goal is to understand the root causes of these crises, the perspectives of the people, and how best to proffer solutions through this Plateau State crisis investigation,” Hammed said.
Former Governor Dariye provided a historical overview of the crises. He highlighted that the violence has evolved from minor community disputes to complex conflicts affecting political, social, and economic life in Plateau State.
“This matter is critical because it affects the very life of our people,” Dariye said.
“The first major outbreak occurred in 2001, during the transition from military to civilian rule. Small incidents could escalate into widespread violence, but we managed to contain them at the time.”
He noted that tensions over political appointments and conflicts between indigenes and non-indigenes have repeatedly triggered outbreaks.
Land disputes in Shendam, Wase, and Langtang South, particularly between the Tarok and Fulani communities, have also contributed to unrest.
Dariye emphasized that lack of timely intervention from federal authorities worsened the situation.
“I raised alarms about the situation in Plateau State, but Abuja’s response was limited, allowing conflicts to persist,” he said.
The committee intends to address this gap through inclusive engagement, ensuring that future interventions are more informed and sustainable.
The Plateau State crisis investigation involves both public and private consultations. The committee plans to convene a special dialogue and security conference where stakeholders can openly express grievances and propose solutions.
“Sustainable peace requires inclusive stakeholder engagement and local participation. This committee’s approach is a step toward achieving that,” Dariye said.
Hammed explained that the committee’s ultimate goal is to deliver actionable recommendations to the federal government, strengthening security and restoring community cohesion.
The committee also aims to establish a framework for ongoing conflict resolution, ensuring that similar crises do not recur.
By combining historical insights, stakeholder feedback, and federal oversight, the House seeks to address both the immediate and long-term causes of violence in Plateau State.
“The voices of Plateau State residents are central to any recommendations guiding federal action,” Hammed emphasized.
The Plateau State crisis investigation is a significant step toward restoring peace, security, and dialogue in one of Nigeria’s most complex internal conflict zones.
The committee’s findings are expected to provide a blueprint for sustainable peace and community reconciliation.
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