In a strong show of solidarity with grieving communities in Plateau State, the Nigerian House of Representatives has donated N100 million to victims of recent deadly attacks that claimed dozens of lives in the North Central region. The donation, announced on May 1, 2025, underscores the legislative chamber’s response to the ongoing wave of violence that has plagued the state.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who led a high-powered delegation to Mangu Local Government Area, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction. He emphasized that the N100 million donation is a humanitarian gesture aimed at alleviating the suffering of survivors and displaced families.
The funds, lawmakers said, are meant for immediate relief—covering food, shelter, medical care, and rebuilding efforts in affected communities. The Speaker assured that the National Assembly would intensify oversight and advocacy for enhanced national security and better community policing.
“This N100 million is a token of our empathy. But more than that, it is a call to action for all levels of government to prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Abbas stated.
The latest wave of attacks, which swept through over 20 villages in Mangu LGA, reportedly left more than 150 people dead and hundreds displaced. Eyewitnesses recount how armed men stormed villages at night, setting homes ablaze and opening fire on civilians, including women and children. The violence, which residents say has lingered for years without adequate government intervention, has intensified ethnic and religious tensions in the area.
The House’s intervention follows nationwide outrage and growing calls for decisive federal action. Civil society groups, religious leaders, and international observers have urged the Nigerian government to treat the crisis in Plateau and the broader Middle Belt with the same urgency as other national security threats.
The Speaker, joined by several lawmakers from Plateau State and neighboring regions, called on President Bola Tinubu to overhaul the security architecture and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted. The delegation also tasked the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to deploy more personnel and intelligence assets to the region.
“This is not just a Plateau crisis. It is a Nigerian crisis. If communities continue to live in fear and justice is not served, it undermines the fabric of our democracy,” noted Rep. Dachung Bagos, a lawmaker representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency.
Beyond the financial aid, the lawmakers promised to push for increased budgetary allocation to the North Central states for rebuilding schools, health centers, and infrastructure destroyed by the violence. The House Committee on National Security has been directed to hold a public hearing on rural banditry and communal clashes to propose long-term legislative solutions.
Humanitarian agencies, meanwhile, continue to assess the needs on the ground. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Red Cross have confirmed that thousands are currently in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps with little access to clean water, healthcare, and education.