The Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Dr. Hamisu Anani, on Friday convened a maiden peace and security summit in Wase, southern Plateau State, aimed at finding lasting solutions to the rising insecurity in the area.
The two-day summit, which attracted security operatives, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and opinion leaders, is being coordinated by a nine-member planning committee led by Barrister Dauda Lamba.
Declaring the summit open, Dr. Anani stated that the initiative was designed to address both immediate and long-term solutions to crime and criminality in the council area.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the opening ceremony, the council chairman, who is a national member of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), pledged to promote the summit’s initiative among his colleagues across the country.
Dr. Anani, who also serves as the Plateau State Chairman of ALGON, assured that recommendations from the summit would be fully implemented. He further warned that individuals found contributing to insecurity in the area would face prosecution.
In his remarks, the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, commended the council chairman for the initiative. The paramount ruler recommended that similar peace and security summits be replicated across the 17 local government areas of Plateau State.
The Emir also charged the chairman to ensure that anyone found perpetrating crime, regardless of their status in society, is brought to justice.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Barrister Dauda Lamba, assured participants of equal opportunities to contribute during discussions.
Also speaking, the Member representing Wase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Maje, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Barrister Musa Adamu Idris, commended the initiative. He, however, urged that delegates be given the opportunity to freely express their concerns on issues affecting them.
According to the organisers, the summit was designed to address the growing security challenges and explore practical measures to restore peace in the area.
Recent incidents have heightened concerns among residents. In December last year, three personnel of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) were ambushed and killed at a security checkpoint near Wase town. Similarly, about two months ago, another attack was launched on troops of the same operation in Gagdi District of Kanam Local Government Area, which shares a border with Wase. Fourteen personnel, including two Army officers, lost their lives in the incident.
Across Plateau State, citizens have been living in fear amid escalating violence. Gagdi District has, in the past, suffered a series of attacks in which dozens of lives were lost.
The worsening security situation has also disrupted cultural activities. Notably, the annual cultural festival of the Ngas-speaking people in Plateau Central, known as Puusdung, was postponed indefinitely, while at least three other communities have suspended their festivals this year due to insecurity.
Observers note that criminal activities have intensified, with residents no longer feeling safe even in urban areas. Cases of abduction and ransom demands have increased significantly.
One particularly troubling incident involved a former student of the University of Jos, Arum Azi, whose kidnapping video went viral. He was reportedly released after a substantial ransom was allegedly paid, raising further concerns among the public.
In addition, the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba, where about 30 residents were reportedly shot dead on Palm Sunday, remains fresh in the minds of many Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff deployed additional troops to strengthen Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP). The incident also led to the temporary closure of the University of Jos.
Amid these developments, many citizens are avoiding large gatherings due to fears of further attacks, including renewed bombings reported in parts of the North-East. Several communities within Plateau State are currently under curfew, while others have imposed restrictions as precautionary measures.
Stakeholders at the Wase summit, including community leaders, politicians, members of the business community, and government officials, expressed optimism that the meeting would yield positive results. They emphasised that collective action and sustained dialogue are critical to addressing the security challenges and restoring normalcy to affected communities.
