PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY URGES LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN TO SUPPORT NON-CONVENTIONAL SECURITY OUTFITS IN TACKLING INSECURITY
The Plateau State House of Assembly has called on the Chairmen of all seventeen Local Government Councils in the state to provide robust support to non-conventional security groups, such as vigilante outfits, as a way to bolster the efforts of conventional security agencies in addressing the persistent insecurity plaguing communities across the state.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Dickson Chollom, who represents Barkin Ladi Constituency, and seconded by Hon. Eli Bako of Rukuba-Irigwe Constituency.
Hon. Chollom highlighted the deteriorating security situation in his constituency, drawing particular attention to a recent attack on July 15, 2025, in the Mazat (Ganandaji) community of Barkin Ladi, where unidentified assailants destroyed several maize farms. He warned that the incident not only led to significant economic losses but also poses a threat to food security in the area.
In his motion, Hon. Chollom urged the House to call on the Executive and relevant security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served as a deterrent to future attacks. He further appealed for increased protection of lives and property and requested support or compensation for the affected farmers to mitigate the impact on their livelihoods.
He also emphasized the critical role of Local Government Councils in supporting community-based security groups to complement official security efforts at the grassroots level.
Following a comprehensive deliberation, the House unanimously adopted all the prayers contained in the motion. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, directed the Majority Leader to summon all seventeen Local Government Chairmen for an interactive session aimed at identifying sustainable solutions to the state’s security challenges.
During the same plenary, the House considered and passed the first reading of a bill seeking to establish a legal framework for health management information systems, disease surveillance, and genomic banking in Plateau State. The bill was sponsored by Hon. Daniel Listick, with co-sponsorship from Hon. Mark Sunday Na’ah and Hon. Sylvester Wallanko.
Additionally, the House deliberated on a tenancy law bill, sponsored by Hon. Theodore Maiyaki, aimed at regulating the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, including procedures for recovering premises. The bill also passed its first reading.
A second bill from Hon. Maiyaki, proposing the establishment of the Plateau State Community Warning System to tackle threats such as banditry and armed herdsmen attacks, passed its second reading with broad support from members.
In his closing remarks, Speaker Rt. Hon. Gapyil commended members for their commitment and active participation. He called for continued unity and cooperation among lawmakers to rebuild trust and restore hope among the people of Plateau State.
Philip Eplong
Press Secretary to the Speaker
Plateau State House of Assembly
22nd July, 2025
