The anticipated visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima to Plateau State on Monday, August 21, 2023, did not materialize, leaving a void in the government’s response to the escalating violence that has claimed over a hundred lives in recent weeks. The visit, initially announced by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, was intended to be a high-level engagement with stakeholders, aimed at reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to quelling the unrest and ensuring justice for the victims of the attacks in Bokkos and Bassa communities. The Vice President’s presence was expected to build upon earlier visits by top security officials, including the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Chief of Defence Staff, all underscoring the gravity of the situation. However, the absence of any official explanation for the aborted visit from either the Vice President’s office or the Plateau State Government has fueled uncertainty and raised questions about the government’s strategy in addressing the crisis.
In the wake of the Vice President’s no-show, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Rayfield, Jos. The meeting brought together a diverse array of leaders, including four former governors, National Assembly members, state lawmakers, traditional rulers, and political leaders, reflecting the urgency and widespread concern over the escalating violence. Governor Mutfwang painted a grim picture of the security situation, describing the state as being “under siege” with no territorial zone spared from the violence. He highlighted the activities of various groups, including cult members like the Sarasuka Boys, who have been implicated in numerous killings across several local government areas. This meeting served as a platform for the governor to reiterate his administration’s commitment to working with federal security agencies to restore peace and order while acknowledging the complexity and deep-rooted nature of the conflict.
Governor Mutfwang’s address to the stakeholders emphasized the historical context of the violence, referencing past periods of unrest, including the state of emergency declared during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. This historical perspective served to underscore the cyclical nature of the conflict and the challenges involved in achieving lasting peace. He also acknowledged his own responsibility as governor to protect the lives and property of the citizens, highlighting his administration’s efforts to engage community leaders, provide logistical support to federal security agencies, and seek collaborative solutions. Despite these efforts, he admitted that the state is “yet to come out of the woods,” signaling the ongoing struggle to contain the violence effectively.
The governor’s appeal for unity and collaboration among the diverse communities within Plateau State was a central theme of the meeting. Recognizing the fragmentation and distrust that often exacerbate conflict, Mutfwang stressed the need for a collective approach to finding solutions. He called for open communication and constructive criticism, inviting stakeholders to share their perspectives and hold him accountable for his administration’s actions. This emphasis on inclusivity and shared responsibility reflects an understanding that lasting peace can only be achieved through the active participation and cooperation of all segments of society.
The emergency stakeholders’ meeting served as a critical forum for addressing the multifaceted security challenges facing Plateau State. Beyond the immediate concern of the recent killings, the discussions delved into the underlying causes of the conflict, the historical context, and the need for a comprehensive and sustained approach to peacebuilding. The absence of the Vice President, however, casts a shadow over these efforts, raising questions about the level of commitment from the federal government and the effectiveness of its strategies. The unanswered questions surrounding the aborted visit add another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation, underscoring the urgent need for clear communication and decisive action to restore confidence and security.
The contrast between the anticipated high-level engagement with the Vice President and the subsequent absence highlights the challenges of coordinating a cohesive response to the crisis. While the stakeholders’ meeting facilitated crucial dialogue and collaboration at the state level, the lack of federal representation at the highest level left a perceptible gap. This could potentially undermine the sense of urgency and shared responsibility necessary for effectively addressing the complex web of factors contributing to the violence. Moving forward, clear communication and decisive action from both the state and federal governments will be essential to restoring peace and rebuilding trust within the affected communities. The absence of the Vice President necessitates a reassessment of the federal government’s strategy and underscores the importance of concrete actions that go beyond symbolic gestures.
