“Enough is enough” – NSA calls for unity, accurate reporting to end Plateau violence

By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has urged Plateau communities to take ownership of peace efforts by collectively declaring that enough is enough to the protracted violence that has gripped the state for decades.

Ribadu, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a condolence visit to Jos on Sunday, said the president was deeply pained by the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area, which left many dead and families displaced.

“On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola-Ahmad Tinubu, I am here to greet the people of Plateau, to extend his condolences over what we have witnessed in the last few days—the crisis that erupted,” he said.

While commending the swift response of security forces, the NSA stressed that long-term peace could not be secured through force alone. He called on residents—who have coexisted for generations—to pursue dialogue, unity, and reconciliation.

Although he acknowledged that the frequency of attacks has reduced compared to previous years, Ribadu warned that unresolved tensions continue to offer room for criminal exploitation.

“Our security forces are doing well. But our communities can do even better. I think it’s time to say enough is enough. When people who live together as one community are unable to resolve issues peacefully, miscreants and criminals take advantage. Little things then spark off crises that spiral out of control,” he noted.

He said both federal and state governments were working closely to stabilize the situation, and lauded Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for what he described as visible improvements in the state’s security outlook.

“In our own way, the federal government is working. The state government is working. The governor has been wonderful, and that’s why we have seen a relative improvement in the situation,” he stated.

Addressing the issue of misinformation, Ribadu cautioned the media against amplifying unverified or inflated casualty figures, warning that such reports could inflame already tense situations.

“We have lost many people. But it’s not exactly like the figures you see out there. But even one soul lost is a lot. We also appeal to the media to verify and report accurate, appropriate information. Telling the truth helps us get through this together. It helps us keep our contracts and live in peace and security,” he said.

He emphasized that sustainable development was impossible without peace, describing it as the foundation for all progress. While noting that Plateau had suffered repeated violence for more than two decades, Ribadu gave assurances of the government’s resolve to end the bloodshed.

“Without peace, nothing can work—no progress, no growth, no development, no education, no health—nothing. The president is saying: enough is enough. It has to stop. Whatever it takes, whatever we have done to achieve this level of improvement—relatively—we are going to double it. We will do more,” he emphasized.