The Plateau Youth G-17 Peace and Progressive Forum has called for urgent security reforms, urging the immediate establishment of state police to tackle rising insecurity in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
In a press release dated April 1, 2026, the Forum expressed strong concern over the persistent attacks on communities, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable.
The group noted that for years, residents of Plateau State have continued to face recurring violence, with many lives lost despite repeated assurances from authorities.
According to the Forum, innocent citizens are being attacked in their homes, farms, and places of worship, while responses from security agencies often come too late.
The youth body highlighted what it described as a dangerous and predictable pattern of attacks, including coordinated assaults on vulnerable communities and poor security presence in affected areas.
It stressed that Nigeria’s centralized policing system has proven ineffective in addressing localized security challenges.
“We say clearly: the current security structure is insufficient,” the statement said.
The Forum argued that decisions on security are often made far from affected communities, leaving residents exposed to threats.
It maintained that a one-size-fits-all approach can no longer address the unique security realities in Plateau State.
The group therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently initiate and fast-track constitutional amendments for the establishment of state police.
“This is not a political luxury; it is a matter of survival,” the Forum stated.
The Forum explained that state police would ensure quicker response to attacks, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen trust between security personnel and local communities.
It added that decentralizing the security system would ease the burden on federal forces and enhance overall coordination.
The group also criticized what it described as a cycle of “condolences without action,” insisting that words alone are no longer enough.
“We reject a system that reacts only after lives have been lost,” the statement added.
The Forum further urged the Plateau State Government to take proactive steps by developing frameworks for state policing and strengthening local security outfits such as Operation Rainbow.
It called on citizens to remain vigilant and continue to demand accountability from leaders at all levels.
The statement was signed by Joshua Longji Sati, Leader of the Plateau Youth G-17 Peace and Progressive Forum, who emphasized that the time for decisive action is now.
The Forum concluded by warning that continued delay in reforming the security system could worsen the situation, stressing that the establishment of state police is critical to ending the cycle of violence.
