Plateau Elders to Tinubu: “End Killings Now, It’s Land Grabbing, Not Farmer-Herder Clashes.”

Elders of Plateau State have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action to end the persistent wave of violence and killings in the state, declaring that the violence goes beyond farmer-herder clashes, but politically motivated attacks aimed at land grabbing.

Speaking during President Tinubu’s condolence visit to Plateau State Thursday 2nd March, former Governor Jonah Jang, who spoke on behalf of Plateau State Elders, expressed appreciation for the President’s visit, describing it as a strong demonstration of leadership and compassion following the recent killings in Angwan Rukuba and other communities.

Sen. Jang lamented that despite years of interventions by successive administrations, the security situation in Plateau has worsened, revealing that over 160 communities have been destroyed and occupied by armed groups, with thousands of residents displaced from their ancestral homes.

He raised concerns over the lack of accountability and justice in handling suspects, noting that cases often lose momentum after being transferred to Abuja, thereby deepening the sense of injustice among victims.

The Elders urged the Federal Government to move beyond reactive responses and adopt proactive, intelligence driven security strategies, including increased deployment of personnel and better coordination among security agencies.

They also called for the recruitment of local forest guards who understand the terrain, as well as a properly structured state police system that allows autonomy rather than federal control.

Rejecting the popular narrative of farmer-herder clashes, Jang insisted that the violence is largely driven by expansionist motives, land grabbing, and a mix of political and religious factors.

The Elders further appealed for the establishment of a special intervention fund to rebuild destroyed communities and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons.

Despite the challenges, Plateau Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, unity, and collaboration with the Federal Government to restore lasting stability in the state.