In the past week, at least 55 individuals lost their lives in the Plateau State of Nigeria, a region plagued by recurring intercommunal violence. Analysts, such as Confidence Mc Harry, a security expert, attribute these tragic incidents to the state government’s long-standing neglect of the area.
The Plateau State has witnessed a surge in violence, with over 200 people brutally killed in December during attacks on predominantly Christian villages in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi. Despite the grim reality, authorities maintain that the “area remains highly secure.”
Contrary to official statements, Mc Harry rebuffs these claims, asserting that the chronic disinterest of the state has contributed to the escalating tensions. Speaking to Victor Cariou of Afrique’s editorial team, Mc Harry argues, “To assert that Plateau State is a secure zone is a falsehood. The logical response to these aggressions would have been to bolster the capabilities of the police forces, enabling them to respond to attackers effectively. However, this augmentation has been lacking for years.”
He further highlights the absence of any government incentive to quell the ongoing violence. The centralized nature of security in Nigeria, coupled with the perception that security leadership is not acting as an impartial arbiter between conflicting communities, exacerbates the situation.
Moreover, Mc Harry contends that the current government prioritizes economic concerns over security, resulting in a lack of progress in addressing the alarming security situation. He emphasizes, “The current administration seems to prioritize economic matters over security, and consequently, strides in security improvement are simply not materializing.”
As the Plateau State grapples with the aftermath of these violent incidents, the spotlight is increasingly turning towards the need for urgent government intervention and a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the inter-communal conflicts that have plagued the region for too long.