Why Plateau crisis persists — Jang

Former Plateau State Governor Jonah David Jang has shed light on the persistent crisis in the region, stating that efforts by successive governments have been ineffective. Daily Trust reports that hundreds of lives have been lost and millions of naira worth of property have been destroyed since 2001 due to various crises in the state.

For over two decades, these conflicts have affected multiple communities, leading to loss of lives and displacement of residents. In his new book 'From Airman to Politics: My Life', published in Jos on August 1, Jang provides his insights into the reasons behind the ongoing crisis. "When I look back on the roots of the crisis that engulfed Plateau State, I see a tragedy that was both historical and man-made," he says.

"It was a storm that had been brewing for decades, yet it was allowed to erupt because of a series of failures in leadership and governance." According to Jang, the crisis is rooted in issues of identity, land, justice, and belonging. He points out that there were "subtle signs" of grievances, ignored tensions, denied rights, and institutionalized injustice before the violence erupted.

The question of indigene versus citizenship has been a contentious issue, with debates over land rights, election participation, and identity. Jang attributes the eruption of violence to these unresolved questions. He criticizes the administrations that succeeded him for not taking decisive action to address the crisis. Jang suggests that Plateau needs not only security measures but also healing, reconciliation, and reconstruction.

"What Plateau needs and still needs is not just security but healing as well. Not just reconstruction, but reconciliation as well," he asserts. "We must return to the drawing board and ask: What does it mean to be a Plateau citizen? How do we share land, power, and opportunity in a way that respects history and embraces equality? These questions were ignored during the years of violence, which is why the crisis continues."