By: Daure David, Political Correspondent
In a scathing public statement, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has called for the establishment of a homegrown security architecture in Plateau State, asserting that the federal government’s failure to protect vulnerable communities has made local intervention a moral imperative.
Loading ...Dalungโs commentary comes amid renewed calls to withdraw military forces from conflict-ridden zones in the state, following a string of violent attacks on rural communities. He criticized the ineffectiveness of federal troops in repelling armed groups and questioned their commitment to safeguarding lives, citing persistent allegations of complicity or negligence.
“The failure of conventional security arrangements compels us to rethink alternative strategies,โ Dalung stated, adding that a constitutional amendment to permit citizens to defend themselves may be necessary if the state continues to falter in its duties.
He urged the National Assembly to treat the security crisis in Plateau as a national emergency, referencing the establishment of regional outfits like Amotekun in the Southwest as a blueprint. According to him, Governor Caleb Mutfwang must abandon symbolic gestures and adopt decisive measures to restore faith in leadership.
“The Governor must demonstrate the courage to defend his people even if it costs him political capital,” Dalung said. “Empathy alone is not leadership.”
Dalung accused the federal government of prioritizing political interests over citizen welfare and described the delivery of relief materials and media condemnations as insufficient.
Beyond federal shortcomings, he emphasized the need for unity among Plateauโs ethnic and religious communities. โThe terrorists are united in mission; our survival depends on collective resistance,โ he declared.
He proposed a localized security initiative that would empower communities under state supervision to defend themselves, with the military relegated to securing highways and federal infrastructure.
The former minister also decried the intelligence failures of Nigerian security institutions, citing their inability to track terrorist networks despite vast digital footprints, even as they reportedly monitor government critics online with high efficiency.
In closing, Dalung declared his unwavering support for grassroots security efforts, asserting, โOn homegrown security, I stand unapologetically.โ
The statement has sparked conversation across political and civil society circles, with many calling for urgent action to prevent further deterioration of security in Plateau State.
