EDITORIAL: Declare a state of emergency in Plateau State! 

The Plateau State government’s failure to protect its citizens has reached catastrophic proportions.

Over 50 lives lost, thousands displaced, and 64 communities forcibly taken over by terrorists’ groups – the statistics are a damning indictment of the government’s ineptitude.

Governor Caleb Muftwang’s confession that the violence amounts to “genocide” sponsored by terrorist groups is a stark wake-up call that the situation has spiralled out of control.

The Plateau State government’s inability to stem the tide of violence is a result of a litany of failures.

Inadequate security measures, poor intelligence gathering, and a lack of coordination between security agencies have created a perfect storm of chaos.

Diaspora Digital Media‘s demand for a state of security emergency in vulnerable areas and enhanced intelligence gathering is a step in the right direction, but it’s too little, too late.

The human cost of the violence is staggering. Over 200 lives lost in the Christmas 2023 massacre, countless homes destroyed, and thousands forced to flee their communities.

The survivors are left to pick up the pieces, with many struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.

The government’s inaction is a betrayal of its citizens’ trust.

In Rivers State, blowing up of a couple off oil installations and political tension were cited as reason for declaration of state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.

It’s time for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Plateau State and deploy all necessary resources to quell the violence.

The government must also work to identify and prosecute those behind the attacks, provide compensation to victims’ families, and support injured survivors.

Furthermore, empowering local leaders and civil society organizations to lead conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts is crucial to restoring peace in the region.

The international community must also take notice of the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Plateau State and offer support to those affected.

The Nigerian government can no longer afford to ignore the plight of its citizens. The time for action is now. The bloodshed must stop, and the government must take responsibility for its failures.

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