Plateau bleeds despite Tinubu’s pledges

…Pastor’s family, pregnant woman’s deaths deepen fears

…Arraignments, ex-govs’ meeting signal govt push

…Insecurity choking economy as attacks persist, don warns

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Plateau State after the killing of over 28 people in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area more than one month ago, the message was firm and reassuring.

The President did not only condole with grieving families; he announced decisive measures, including deployment of 5,000 Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and a renewed vow that justice would be served.

At a town hall meeting with stakeholders at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang, Barkin Ladi local Government, President Tinubu framed the crisis as one that demanded both compassion and action.

“The best solution is simply to be just—the kind of justice that people like us grow up knowing. We must break the shackles of ignorance, poverty, and hopelessness together. We were not elected to create widows and widowers,” he said.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on his part, described the Angwan Rukuba attack as a temporary setback and reassured residents of the Government’s commitment to restoring peace.

“Under your leadership, we now have a platform to unify our people. We are gradually bridging divides, ensuring enemies cannot infiltrate our communities,” Governor Mutfwang told the President during the visit.

Hope rises, violence persists

The declaration was greeted with cautious optimism. For a State long battered by cycles of violence, the promise of surveillance infrastructure and strengthened security coordination offered hope. Yet, more than a month after that visit, the killings have continued, spreading across Mangu, Quan Pan, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos North and Jos South, casting doubt on whether the tide has truly abated.

In Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, five persons were recently killed in Fan District in a night attack that residents said came without warning. According to a local source, the victims were ambushed while returning home around 9 p.m., with gunmen opening fire indiscriminately.

“Four persons were killed on the spot, while another victim later died in the hospital,” a resident said.

Pregnant woman, pastor’s family killings shock communities

The attack heightened tension in the community, even as local leaders condemned the incident and called for stronger protection. While security agencies have maintained presence in the area, the recurrence of such attacks suggests that vulnerabilities remain.

Just days before that incident, another tragedy struck the same Local Government. In Mazat Community, gunmen attacked a mining site, killing four persons, including a pregnant woman, and injuring several others. The killing of the expectant mother has since drawn widespread outrage, symbolising the indiscriminate nature of the violence and the growing risks faced by civilians in everyday activities.

In Riyom Local Government Area, the violence reached a deeply personal and devastating level with the killing of a pastor and his entire family. Ayuba Choji of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Chundung Ayuba, his wife and their children Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba, were murdered in Gako village when attackers stormed the community late at night.

Rwang Tenwong, the publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, described the attack as coordinated and ruthless, with gunmen firing sporadically and forcing people to flee into nearby bushes.

“We are living in fear every day because these attacks have become too frequent. People can no longer sleep in their homes, and going to the farms has become a dangerous risk,” he said.

He added, “This is not just an attack on one family but on the entire community. Our livelihoods are being destroyed, and many families are already struggling to survive”.

Security agencies record gains amid setbacks

Despite these grim realities, there have been instances where security agencies have successfully prevented attacks. In parts of Jos South and Mangu, coordinated patrols and intelligence-led operations have reportedly foiled planned assaults, reducing potential casualties.

The Military, Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) have all been involved in these operations, reflecting a multi-agency approach to the crisis.

However, despite these successes, the persistence of attacks continues to overshadow them. The destruction of farmlands in areas such as Riyom and Barkin Ladi has added another dimension to the crisis. Crops, including maize, cabbage, and pepper, have been destroyed, raising concerns about food security and economic survival for rural communities.

Where are the 5,000 CCTV cameras?

Amid all this, one question continues to linger: where are the 5,000 CCTV cameras?

Announced as a key component of the new security strategy, the cameras were expected to enhance surveillance, improve response time, and strengthen coordination among security agencies. Yet, there has been little or no visible evidence of their deployment.

For many residents, the absence of this infrastructure has become symbolic of delayed implementation.

A senior Police officer, who spoke to BusinessDay on condition of annoynimity, argued that while CCTV systems can improve monitoring in urban centres, their effectiveness in rural areas may be limited without supporting infrastructure such as electricity, communication networks, and rapid-response mechanisms.

Without these, the cameras may not deliver the transformative impact expected.

Arraignments signal push for justice

Beyond security operations, the Government has also taken steps toward justice. A Plateau State High Court has ordered the remand of four suspects linked to the Angwan Rukuba killings in DSS custody with arraignment scheduled.

The suspects face charges related to criminal conspiracy and terrorism, marking a significant move towards accountability.

The decision to prosecute the suspects within Plateau State has been welcomed as a shift from previous practices where such cases were transferred to Abuja.

Legal officials say this approach brings justice closer to the affected communities and reinforces public confidence.

Former governors unite for lasting solutions

In another effort to address the crisis, Governor Mutfwang convened a meeting of former governors, including Fidelis Tapgun, Jonah Jang, Simon Lalong, Joshua Dariye and Samuel Atukum, former military administrator of the State.

The meeting, described as a rare convergence of past and present leadership, focused on developing a unified strategy to tackle insecurity.

According to sources privy to the meeting, the discussions emphasised sustainable peace, unity, and coordinated responses to the ongoing attacks.

“The closed-door meeting deliberated extensively on matters concerning the well-being, welfare, progress, and overall prosperity of the people of Plateau State,” a source said.

Economic toll deepens as insecurity lingers

Meanwhile, the broader economic implications of the violence are becoming increasingly evident. Mathias Eneji, a Professor of Economics at the University of Jos, warned that insecurity in Plateau poses a serious threat to economic development.

“One of the most serious threats the Nigerian economy is facing at the moment is insecurity, especially in terms of investment. It affects all kinds of businesses, both small and medium scale and big enterprises,” he said.

According to him, the crisis is driving inflation, reducing consumption, discouraging investment, and increasing poverty.

“The impact is already visible in Jos metropolis, where recent violence has disrupted activities around the University of Jos, forcing students out of hostels and affecting businesses,” the professor added.

For residents across Plateau, the situation remains one of uncertainty. While government efforts—from security deployments to legal actions and political consultations—signal commitment, the continued killings tell a different story.

President Tinubu’s assurance that justice will be served still resonates, but for many, justice must be accompanied by immediate safety. Until attacks cease and communities regain a sense of normalcy, the promises made in Heipang will remain under scrutiny.

As Plateau continues to grapple with recurring violence, the challenge is no longer just about announcing solutions but ensuring their timely and effective implementation. The coming weeks may determine whether the state moves toward lasting peace or remains trapped in a cycle of grief and unfulfilled expectations.