A Senator’s Response to Violence in Plateau State
Senator Pam Dachungyang, representing Plateau North in the National Assembly, has spoken out against the recent violent attacks in the Angwa Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area in Plateau State. The incident resulted in at least 28 deaths, prompting strong condemnation from the senator.
During a visit to the affected communities, Dachungyang met with traditional rulers and victims of the attack. His journey included a stop at the palace of the Paramount ruler of Anaguta nation, His Royal Highness Dr. Johnson Jauro Magaji II, as well as visits to other local leaders and the locations where victims were being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
In an interview with journalists following his visit, Dachungyang expressed deep sorrow over what he witnessed. “What I have seen today makes me unhappy. I am not happy about it, but we will hand over everything to God. Whoever might have done this, God will pay them double or even triple portion so that it will not happen again.”
He emphasized the need to address the underlying issues that led to the violence. “I came at this time to checkmate the bad attitude of those who came to destroy the peace of Plateau State. I came a bit late because when the wickedness took place, I was in Abuja and immediately, we swung into action with my two colleague Senators from Plateau to move into action and place a motion before the National Assembly over what took place here.”
Dachungyang described the scene as “heart-touching and unbelievable.” He noted that the attackers seemed to treat people as if they were cutting grass, leaving them to die. “Today, I have also come to visit the traditional rulers that are directly affected so that we can hear their own views about what actually took place.”
The traditional rulers shared their concerns, stating that the attack caught them off guard. “While people were enjoying their Palm Sunday, some armed men from nowhere came and attacked the people, killing several innocent persons,” Dachungyang lamented.
The Need for State Police
Following the incident, Dachungyang expressed support for the establishment of state police. “Honestly, with what has happened, I know that every state, not only in Plateau, needs a legislation to take care of themselves. This is because it is unwise that somebody will be lamenting, crying and seeking succour or help from above and they said that they are waiting for response. But where it is a direct response, particularly if a state police is created, then everybody knows his terrain.”
As a member of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment, Dachungyang highlighted the importance of creating a state police force. “If a state police is created, then everybody knows his terrain. The state police is the right thing at this time. But before the creation of the state police, let the people defend themselves.”
Call for Community Responsibility
Dachungyang urged citizens to take responsibility for their security. “You can not just sit down, and somebody will come and cut you with a machete, and you do nothing. Nobody is saying that you should take the laws into your hands, but you should not allow somebody to come and attack you without stopping him, whether in the church or mosque.”
Traditional rulers praised the senator for his visit and concern for the security situation in the state. “All we need in Plateau is unity among the people to be able to defeat the enemy,” said the Paramount ruler of Anaguta nation.
Ongoing Security Challenges
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges for over a decade, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The ongoing insecurity has eroded public confidence in the current federal security structure, leading to calls for the establishment of state police.
The primary responsibility of the government is to protect lives and property. However, successive governments have failed in this regard, resulting in widespread violence and the clamor for state police. With the recent rise in insecurity across the country, the push for decentralizing the Nigeria Police Force has remained strong.
Supporters of state police argue that the current system cannot effectively address the growing security challenges. They believe that police officers must be familiar with their environment and understand the language and culture of the people. Critics, however, worry about potential abuse by governors who may act like emperors in their states.
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, he has advocated for the creation of state police to address the security challenges facing the country. Dachungyang’s comments align with this initiative, emphasizing the need for more localized security arrangements to tackle the complex issues in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
