A group named, One Plateau, One Voice has rejected calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in Plateau State, as well as demands for the disbandment of Operation Rainbow and removal of the Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, in the state.
The group, through its Convener, Dogo Nanzing in a statement said such measures would not address the longstanding security challenges confronting communities across the state, insisting that priority should instead be given to protecting residents, restoring stability and facilitating the return of displaced persons.
It said Plateau had experienced years of violence, displacement and loss of lives, adding that the focus should now be on strengthening security and restoring affected communities.
“For 25 years, they have been killing our people and taking over our villages. Plateau has lost thousands of its citizens, but all through that time, those responsible for the attacks and their sympathisers never asked that a state of emergency be imposed on Plateau until now,” the group said.
One Plateau, One Voice also questioned the calls for the disbandment of Operation Rainbow, saying the security outfit had existed as part of the state’s response to insecurity and that its mandate should be respected.
“For years, after the creation of Operation Rainbow, they never, for once, acknowledged the existence of the security outfit nor respected its mandate,” the group said.
The organisation also defended the DSS, noting that the agency had maintained a presence in Plateau for many years and calling for caution in making demands for the removal of its state director.
“DSS has been in Plateau for as long as the state exists. From the beginning of the killings to this day, they never doubted the agency’s credibility and neutrality,” it said.
The group said recent developments should be viewed against the background of prolonged violence and displacement, arguing that affected residents deserved protection and an opportunity to return to their communities.
It further called for the restoration of lands and communities from which residents had allegedly been displaced, stressing that any such process should be handled through lawful and peaceful mechanisms.
“We demand for the return of our lands to the people who are the original owners,” the group said.
One Plateau, One Voice urged the government, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to work together to address the security situation and prevent further loss of lives.
The group maintained that Plateau communities should remain committed to peaceful coexistence while ensuring that the rights and safety of residents affected by violence are protected.
“Plateau can never be defeated and is on its way to recovery,” it said.
