APC Chairman Calls for Urgent Action to End Plateau State Violence: “No More Routine Outrage”
ABUJA — The National Chairman of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has issued a stark warning against the ongoing violence in Plateau State, describing it as a national tragedy that demands immediate and coordinated action. Speaking during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Friday, Yilwatda condemned the recent killings in Jos North Local Government Area as “inhuman, cowardly, and reprehensible,” urging leaders and security agencies to adopt more proactive measures to prevent further bloodshed.
The attacks, which claimed the lives of innocent residents in Angwan Rukuba, have reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing Plateau State. Yilwatda emphasized that the cycle of violence can no longer be met with “routine outrage and temporary responses.” Instead, he called for a decisive, technology-driven approach to identify and neutralize perpetrators who exploit communal vulnerabilities to wreak havoc.
“The time has come for deliberate, coordinated, and result-oriented efforts by all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that such dastardly acts never happen again in Plateau State or anywhere else in the country,” Yilwatda stated.
President Tinubu’s Visit Signals Empathy and Leadership
President Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State was widely commended as a gesture of national solidarity. Yilwatda described it as a “profound demonstration of responsive leadership” during a period of immense grief for the people of Plateau. The president’s presence, he noted, underscored the federal government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of the violence and restoring peace.
However, Yilwatda also stressed that emotional support alone is insufficient. He called on security agencies to overhaul their strategies, warning that outdated tactics are no match for the increasingly adaptive and ruthless criminal networks behind the violence.
“The security agencies cannot continue to deploy outdated methods against sophisticated criminal elements and expect a different outcome,” he said.
A Call for Modern Security Solutions
To combat the persistent insecurity, Yilwatda advocated for the deployment of advanced surveillance and intelligence-gathering technologies, including artificial intelligence-powered cameras, drones, and real-time tracking systems. He argued that modern tools are essential for detecting and neutralizing threats before they escalate into violence.
“The era demands smarter, faster, and more sophisticated security responses,” he said. “Protecting lives and property must now be driven not only by manpower but also by technology, intelligence, precision, and accountability.”
Yilwatda also urged community leaders to play a more active role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities. He pointed out that many perpetrators are not “ghosts or invisible invaders” but individuals living within or around the communities, exploiting local weaknesses to carry out attacks.
“These evil perpetrators must no longer be shielded by silence, fear, complicity, or communal indifference,” he said. “They must be identified, exposed, apprehended, and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
Economic Implications of Insecurity
The APC chairman highlighted the devastating economic impact of the ongoing violence, particularly on Plateau State’s tourism sector and economic potential. Known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, the state has seen its prospects for growth and investment stifled by persistent insecurity.
“No economy can thrive where fear reigns, no investment can flourish where blood is spilled, and no society can truly prosper where innocent citizens live under the shadow of insecurity,” Yilwatda warned. He cautioned that without adequate protection of lives and communities, the social and economic future of Plateau could be severely paralyzed, depriving its youth of prosperity, stability, and hope.
A Unified Approach to Restoring Peace
Yilwatda called for a “whole-of-society approach” to ending the violence, urging traditional institutions, religious leaders, political actors, youth and women’s groups, security operatives, and community stakeholders to collaborate honestly and patriotically.
“Only through collective efforts can we restore peace and stability in Plateau State,” he said.
Other leaders who spoke during President Tinubu’s visit echoed Yilwatda’s sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive intervention to halt the bloodshed and restore confidence among the people.
As Plateau State mourns yet another cycle of violence, the calls for accountability, innovation, and unity grow louder. Whether these appeals translate into meaningful action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the people of Plateau can no longer endure the cycle of grief and despair.
— Reported by Nexio News
