PRESS RELEASE
ENOUGH OF CONDEMNATION, MORE OF ACTION
The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) Central Zone woke up to the devastating reports of yet another massacre in Mangu Local Government Area, where more than 20 innocent lives were reportedly lost and buried on 18 August 2026.
This latest tragedy, coming on the heels of recent attacks across the state, is deeply painful and unacceptable. The frequency, ferocity and sheer impunity with which these attacks are being perpetrated have become intolerable.
Enough is enough.
PIDAN is deeply pained by the ruthless slaughter of our people. Plateau State cannot continue to be a theatre where innocent citizens are repeatedly murdered, communities displaced and families shattered, only for government officials to issue condolences after each tragedy.
Condolences are no substitute for security. Expressions of grief cannot resurrect the dead. What the people need now is decisive action, not another cycle of condemnation and condolences.
The magnitude of this crisis demands extraordinary, immediate and unequivocal action.
PIDAN therefore calls on the Plateau State Government to:
1. Declare a state of emergency on security in affected and vulnerable communities and take all necessary measures to protect lives and property.
2. Equip, train and properly coordinate local vigilantes to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in protecting vulnerable communities, particularly those in remote areas.
3. Review the current deployment of the military in communities and, where appropriate, return soldiers to their primary barracks-based role while strengthening the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to take greater responsibility for civilian policing and community protection.
4. Call on the National Assembly to urgently fast-track the passage of the State Police Bill as a sustainable step towards strengthening community-based policing and improving security across the country.
5. Ensure that security agencies take proactive measures, rather than waiting for attacks to occur before responding. Intelligence gathering, early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms must be strengthened to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
The people of Plateau State deserve to live in peace, farm their lands and raise their families without the constant fear of being attacked.
PIDAN stands firmly with the victims, their families and the affected communities. We mourn with them, but we also demand accountability and decisive action.
This is no longer a time for condemnation alone. It is a time for ACTION.
ENOUGH OF CONDEMNATION. MORE OF ACTION.
Signed:
Da Alpha John Dakwak
Chairman, PIDAN Central Zone
