Plateau Communities Lament Herdsmen Attacks, 9 Years Without Electricity

Residents of Kuka and Kwalla communities in Shendam and Quan-Pan local government areas of Plateau State, respectively, have cried out to President Bola Tinubu to save their communities from herdsmen attacks.

The communities in Quan-pan, Mikang, Langtang North, Langtang South, Wase, and Shendam local governments said for nine years they had been without electricity. The community residents stated that efforts to get assistance proved futile.

The demands of the communities were presented to the Senior Specia Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, on Wednesday.

The residents presented their demands during her engagement with community leaders and citizens of communities in Plateau South Senatorial District, at Shendam council headquarters.

Listing the key issues, Mrs. Essiet explained, “Community members from Kuka reported frequent clashes between farmers and herders in the area. This conflict, which has become more prevalent in recent months, disrupts the lives and livelihoods of residents and increases local tension and insecurity.

“An alarming report was shared regarding a recent kidnapping incident in the Kwalla community, which has raised serious concerns about the safety of residents.

“The prolonged nine-year power outage affecting Quan-pan, Mikang, Langtang North, Langtang South, Wase, and Shendam LGAs.

“This was highlighted as a critical issue. Community representatives expressed deep concern about the negative impact of the nine-year total blackout on local economies, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. The blackout has stunted local economic growth, with many small businesses struggling to operate without a reliable power supply.

“Over the years, the communities have made numerous appeals to relevant authorities and electricity providers, including the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), with minimal success.”

The SSA to the President noted that addressing the issues affecting the communities by the government would help enhance the safety of the communities and rebuild the trust of the citizens of the communities in government.

“I have taken deliberate steps in sharing the concerns of the people with the appropriate authorities. Addressing these issues is essential to enhance community safety, support economic growth, and rebuild trust governance,” Mrs Essiet added, on her X handle.