The carnage in Plateau State as failure of governance ( 2)
THE failure to provide a secure environment for citizens not only undermines trust in governance but also perpetuates a cycle of reprisals and counter- reprisals. The deep- rooted nature of the conflicts suggests a failure in addressing underlying issues related to governance structures. Whether it be issues of resource allocation, land ownership or historical grievances, the government’s inability to implement effective policies that address these root causes exacerbates tensions and leaves communities vulnerable to exploitation by those seeking to fuel unrest.
To an average indigene of Plateau, the attack is one too many and government is not also doing enough to protect lives and properties. Most if not all the people see these unwarranted attacks as a concerted move by forces within and outside the state to kill, displace and take over their ancestral lands. It is an expansionist agenda.
The lackluster approach to dealing with the crisis aligns with the peoples’ perception. Since 2002 when the Yelwa/ Shendam crisis was birthed, Plateau State has not known peace and has been in the news for wrong reason. Those in government pay lip service to the crisis and consistently engage in mere rhetoric.
While previous and the present administrations have continued to condemn every attack, it seems the barbaric killings on the Plateau have defied every reasonable solution. It does not seem human lives matter anymore on the Plateau and in Nigeria.
The circumstances surrounding attacks and senseless killings has remained the same ever since. Twenty- eight communities were attacked for two days and there was no intervention of government or security agencies until the deeds were done? It is unbelievable to assume that all the security agencies lacked intelligence on the planned attack. The government of Plateau
State and relevant security agencies as usual bandied with figures of the dead as if they were dead chickens from an epidemic. We have indeed lost our humanity as a people.
Every opportunity available for the assailants to unleash mayhem, they grab. Governor Mutfwang mentioned schools in Mangu as residents of these killers for years. Others say Mahanga areas provide cover, yet, the government at both state and federal levels have done nothing to fish out the terrorists even when their locations are well known.
Not much has changed in the security architecture of Nigeria since 2015 except for change in personnel. Moreover, it appears that those in charge do not understand what the problem is or are part of it. Killing people and worse still, in their sleep, is extremely wicked. The Nigerian government should show reasonable interest to end the carnage. Much more force or fire power against these assailants is required. The best honour to the dead is to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book.
It could rightly be said that since 2002 when crisis became evident on the Plateau, there have been no sign of the political will, strong determination or decisive action taking by government against murderous groups causing mayhem on the region.
Plateau people are angry, tired and frustrated. There is a limit to their patience and endurance. They should not be left with the option of relying on self- help as a survival instinct. New strategy for peace is desirable without further delay. Politically, culturally or religiously motivated crisis with obvious political answers should not be left alone in the hands of security agencies to resolve.
Communities who are victims of the heinous attacks should be actively involved in finding lasting peace. The attackers themselves should also be involved in the peace process by making known their own position, intents and grievances, if any.
The security challenges confronting plateau has once again brought to fore the conversation around the need for state police.
When the states are given direct control over the coercive powers and resources to confront security challenges under the constitution, it will be very easy to restore peace, order and deal decisively with terrorists or any destructive elements like the ones plying their destructive trade on the Plateau.
The absence of accountability for those responsible for orchestrating or participating acts of violence contributes to a culture of impunity. The failure to bring perpetrators to justice not only denies closure to the victims but also sends a disheartening message that those who instigate violence can do so with impunity.
Communities affected by the violence often find themselves not only grappling with the immediate aftermath but also with long- term neglect. The failure to implement effective rehabilitation and development programmes exacerbates the socioeconomic conditions that often contribute to the cycle of violence. Education, healthcare, and economic opportunities are essential pillars of stable societies, yet their absence perpetuates a cycle of deprivation and vulnerability.
The carnage on the Plateau is not a random occurrence but a symptom of deeper governance failures that demand urgent attention. It highlights the need for a comprehensive and strategic overhaul of governance structures, emphasising peace- building, conflict resolution, and the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
As the nation mourns the lives lost on the Plateau, it is incumbent upon leaders to move beyond mere rhetoric and take decisive actions to address the root causes of these conflicts. Only through accountable, transparent, and inclusive governance can the Plateau reclaim its status as a symbol of harmony and diversity, free from the shackles of violence and despair. The time for transformative leadership is now, before more lives are needlessly sacrificed on the altar of governance failures.