The Senate on Thursday convened a security summit for the North Central zone in Jos, Plateau State, aimed at addressing the rising insecurity in the region.
Our correspondent reports that the North Central zone, comprising six states — Plateau, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa — has faced a rising spate of insecurity, with over 420 communities attacked and more than 12,000 people killed in Plateau State alone over the past 10 years.
Leading the Senate delegation, Senator Abba Moro emphasised the importance of collective action in tackling the nation’s security challenges, saying, “National security is a shared responsibility. It does not rest solely on the military or security agencies.”
Moro, who represents Benue South, highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on the nation, citing the prevalence of insurgency, militancy, banditry, and kidnapping, among other threats.
“This summit offers a platform for constructive deliberations geared toward developing practical and actionable solutions. We are here to listen to security experts, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, and those directly affected by the security challenges we seek to address.
“Please be assured that the input gathered today will shape the recommendations we submit to the Senate, guiding legislative intervention, budgetary priorities, and policy reforms to strengthen our national security framework in the months and years ahead.
“The resolutions from this summit are expected to support a more comprehensive and enduring national security policy. Let me also emphasise that national security is a shared responsibility. It does not rest solely on the military or security agencies. Communities must remain vigilant. State governments must continue to support localised security initiatives.
“The private sector must engage through strategic partnerships and support. And the federal government must continue to reform and modernise security institutions, especially in the face of evolving security threats,” Moro said.
In his address, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State lamented the loss of lives and livelihoods in the state, attributing the insecurity to factors such as competition for land and political power, population pressures, and the activities of criminal groups.
Mutfwang called for a united effort to confront the security challenges, saying, “It is time to stop pointing fingers and comparing who lost more lives across religious or ethnic divides. It is time to unite, join hands, and confront this demon.”
The governor, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, also commended the Senate initiative, describing it as a welcome development that would contribute to finding lasting solutions to the national security crisis.
Our correspondent reports that the one-day security summit attracted various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, youth groups, opinion leaders, security agents, and members of academia, who are expected to develop resolutions on the best ways to tackle the security challenges facing the region.
The meeting comes at a time when several states across the country continue to record attacks, kidnappings, and communal clashes.
Nationally, insecurity has continued to escalate, with violent incidents recorded across several states.
Recent data and security reports show that the country has witnessed thousands of deaths from banditry, terrorism, communal clashes, and kidnapping.
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