The North-Central Zonal Public Hearing on the North-Central Security Summit opened in Jos on Thursday with a renewed national call for unity, collaboration, and decisive action to tackle persistent insecurity across the region.
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The summit, held at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, began with the arrival of dignitaries, followed by the National Anthem, an opening prayer, and formal introductions. Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers, representatives of both the Christian and Muslim communities, and the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly. Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Piyo, officially declared the session open.
In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the severity of insecurity in Plateau State, noting that over the years, hundreds of communities have been attacked and thousands of lives lost. He described the summit as a timely intervention and commended the Senate for convening it, expressing confidence that the engagement would contribute significantly to finding lasting solutions to what he called a national calamity. The governor cautioned against divisive rhetoric and urged Nigerians to unite in confronting the crisis.
The plenary featured presentations on the theme: “The Way Forward in Tackling National Security Issues at the Local Level.” Speakers included representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, paramilitary agencies (NSCDC and Customs), traditional rulers, religious leaders, vigilante groups, NGOs, CSOs, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders all offering insights and recommendations for improving security at the grassroots.
Governor Mutfwang also expressed appreciation to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other leaders of the National Assembly for hosting the summit in Jos, noting the city’s symbolic significance given its long history with security challenges.
The one-day public hearing, chaired by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the National Security Summit, with Senator Abba Moro, Senate Minority Leader, also in attendance, concluded with closing remarks, a vote of thanks, and the National Anthem.
The summit is expected to shape actionable strategies for restoring peace and stability across Plateau State and the broader North-Central region.
