ENDING THE PLATEAU CRISIS

 Mahdi Garba argues the need for fairness and sincerity of purpose

The resurgence of violence in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State is appalling. The dimension it has taken further makes the crisis even more disturbing. For all these years, the ethnoreligious cycle of violence in the state has largely spared people that are considered as indigenous people. But not at this time.

In a few days, the sustained peace efforts of individuals and governments have been discarded within a blink of an eye.

Plateau’s crisis is not a new one or one that needs a background. It’s Nigerian Afghanistan. Anytime I introduce myself and my audience understands I am from Plateau State, they wonder. That’s how I grew up.

I have become used to replying to questions about the indigene/settler phenomenon in the state. I have also become used to responding to queries about my identity as a Muslim and also an indigene of the state. Sometimes I respond politely, other times arrogantly. My mood determines how the response is coined.

That aside, the violence and reprisals that returned on the eve of Christmas day seem to have turned a new chapter in the history of Plateau’s conflict. Now, it’s not a farmer/herder clash. It’s also not an ethnic clash. It’s a religious war.

It’s better to call a spade by its name. That, I think will help the government in proffering solutions to the unending clashes in whatever guise. If the government accepts it as it is, the next step will be on how to stem the menace.

As a native of Gindiri in Plateau State, anytime I move around Nigeria’s capital or other states and see how they are progressing, I feel heartbroken. Whenever the name of the place I call home is trending, it’s either about loss of life or loss of property. Sadly, there is no political will to change this story.

Previous panels of inquiry to the crisis are mostly biased. And, because of the lack of will, no white paper comes out after the panels investigate the unending crisis.

I have stated in a number of interventions that beside the cost on human lives, which is the most tragic part of it, the implication of this crisis is multidimensional; on the town, neighbouring communities, neighbouring local government areas, state’s internally generated revenue, food (in)security, among others.

And, as new government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration should take note of it.

With a population of about 295, 000 people, it’s the third most populous local government in the state. And, the Mangu market that holds every Friday is known as the maize market that hosts buyers from all parts of the country. Through Mangu it’s easier to navigate around the areas of Wase, Langtang, Pankshin, Kanam, Pankshin and other places like Ibi of Taraba State, Northeastern part of the country.

Now, this prevailing crisis has crippled commercial activities in Jos, the state’s capital.

I have called on successive governments to bring an end to the crisis in the past. And I have promised not to relent until peace is restored in the state. I have advised

previous administrations to revisit recommendations made by panels of inquiries by past governments.

Now, I also believe the duty is on me to advise Governor Mutfwang to abolish Operation Rainbow and should not entertain any sub-national security outfit within the state if he really wants to be a governor for all.

Finally, there is a serious need for Nigerian authorities to look at this objectively and proffer a lasting solution no matter whose ox is gored. They must go beyond lip service.

Press statements, visits and other PR stunts will not stop this madness that has thrived for more than two decades; but dialogue and justice will.

Garba is an Abuja-based freelance journalist