Plateau Insecurity: IHRC Sounds Alarm, Demands Justice and Equal Action’.
By Victor Idajili
The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust, Nigeria Chapter (IHRC) has raised urgent concerns over the escalating insecurity in Plateau State, calling for fairness, justice, and accountability from authorities.
In a statement issued by its Country Director, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the commission expressed deep alarm over the ongoing violence, particularly in Jos and surrounding communities.
IHRC described Plateau as a highly sensitive and fragile region, warning that any perceived injustice, inequality, or lack of accountability could intensify tensions and threaten both regional and national stability.
“There is growing concern over selective responses to attacks. While some communities receive prompt attention and condemnation, others suffer devastating losses without sufficient support or prosecution of perpetrators,” the statement said.
The organisation emphasized that the government must act fairly, inclusively, and impartially, upholding its constitutional and moral duty to protect all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social standing.
IHRC noted that discrimination—real or perceived—erodes public trust and deepens divisions, highlighting past crises in Nigeria, such as the Yelwan Shendam clashes, as examples of how unresolved grievances can escalate into cycles of revenge and violence.
The commission also highlighted gaps in security operations, including attacks occurring near security posts, insufficient personnel in high-risk areas, and unchecked dissemination of inflammatory statements, describing these as serious threats to peace and public safety.
Key concerns listed by IHRC include unequal government response, slow judicial processes, weak security presence in vulnerable areas, and failure to address hate speech. The group stressed that justice must be genuine, timely, impartial, and transparent, warning that tolerating injustice lays the foundation for prolonged conflict.
IHRC called on the Federal and Plateau State governments, security agencies, and community and religious leaders to act decisively. “They must ensure protection for all citizens, prosecute perpetrators, strengthen security in vulnerable communities, and curb all forms of incitement and hate speech,” the statement urged.
The commission also sent a stern message to political leaders, cautioning against bias or silence during crises. “Leadership is a national responsibility, not about tribe, religion, or region. Any sign of discrimination or inaction during conflict can affect public trust and future support,” it warned.
Concluding, IHRC emphasized that sustainable peace in Plateau State—and Nigeria as a whole—depends on justice, fairness, accountability, and effective leadership. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement said.
