The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust Nigeria Chapter has expressed deep concern over escalating violence in Plateau State, particularly in Jos and surrounding areas. Country Director Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu stated that the region remains fragile, with ongoing attacks fueling fears of broader instability. The group cited a growing perception of unequal government response, noting that some communities face heavy losses without adequate security intervention or prosecution of perpetrators. "There is an increasing perception of selective response to attacks," the statement read, warning that such disparities undermine trust and risk reigniting cycles of violence.
IHRC pointed to unresolved past conflicts like the Yelwan Shendam crisis, as well as incidents in Lagos and Kano, as evidence that delayed justice often leads to reprisals. It highlighted security lapses, including attacks occurring near military formations and insufficient personnel in high-risk zones. The group also condemned the unchecked spread of inflammatory statements. Key demands include impartial justice, stronger security presence, and accountability for hate speech. The organisation urged federal and state authorities, security agencies, and community leaders to act without bias. Political leaders were warned that silence or perceived partiality during crises could damage their credibility and future ambitions.
Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu's statement exposes a pattern many in Plateau have long lived: the uneven weight of state protection. When attacks near security outposts go unpunished while responses vary by community, it doesn't just endanger lives—it erodes the legitimacy of institutions meant to safeguard them. For Nigerians, this means security is not a universal right but a conditional privilege, shaped more by identity than policy. That imbalance won't be fixed by statements, no matter how firm.
