BY PETER USMAN
The North-Central Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has revealed that over 64 communities in Plateau state are under the control of armed groups
Recall that the Plateau State government had earlier made this disclosure, following a series of attacks by armed groups on communities in Bassa local government area.
The government explained further that some of the communities that have been taken over by bandits have also been taken over and renamed
Making the disclosure in a statement on Sunday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central Forum, expressed deep concern over what it describes as an escalating humanitarian crisis across Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State,
The forum blamed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, for its inadequate response, saying that it abandoned the people of the zone when they needed the ministry’s support most
The forum in the statement issued Sunday by its chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, accused the Minister, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, of failing to deliver critical support, especially to his home state of Plateau which continues to suffer deadly attacks by armed herdsmen and bandits.
“Plateau had no ministerial representation for eight months, and we advocated for a competent replacement. Sadly, since Prof. Yilwatda’s appointment, the Ministry has not lived up to expectations. His impact has barely been felt,” the statement read.
Yilwatda, a former APC governorship candidate in Plateau, was appointed Minister in October 2024 after Senator Simon Lalong’s resignation to take up his legislative role at the Senate, following an appeal court ruling that declared him winner of the Plateau South senatorial district.
However, the Forum says his performance has been disappointing.
“As stakeholders close to the grassroots, we can confirm that the Ministry has done very little to support displaced communities,” the Forum added.
The APC forum also expressed concerns that the Minister could not visit affected areas, noting that more than 64 communities in Plateau have been overrun by armed groups, with thousands displaced.
It recalled that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), released a a number, indicating that at least 52 people were killed and over 1,800 displaced in a wave of attacks between March 27 and April 2, 2025.
The Forum recalled that it was the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who visited displaced people in Bokkos LGA in December 2024 and engaged with local leaders—while Yilwatda has yet to do the same.
“It is disheartening that a minister from Plateau has not visited his own people in their time of need. His presence and leadership are urgently required,” the statement stressed.
“Public service must rise above politics. The wellbeing of citizens must not be sacrificed because of political differences,” the Forum said.
The APC Forum therefore called on Yilwatda to urgently mobilize federal resources to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Plateau and other parts of the country.