Network laments Jos killings, consoles families
By Joseph Eshanokpe A pro-research, policy and peacebuilding think tank, the Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa, has expressed its condolences to the families affected by the killings in Jos,
By Joseph Eshanokpe
A pro-research, policy and peacebuilding think tank, the Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa, has expressed its condolences to the families affected by the killings in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
In a statement, the group’s Head of Programmes and Operation, Ms. Lara Raji, said the recurring attacks not only represent security failures but also underline the human cost of conflict.
She expressed concern that the security landscape in Plateau and the larger Middle Belt remains fragile despite efforts to improve peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
The Abuja-based advocacy group emphasised that the protection of lives must go beyond repeated assurances toward measurable results that communities can trust.
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The organisation alleged that there have been persistent weaknesses in early warning utilisation, operational response, and the safeguarding of civilians in high-risk areas.
She added: “Security is not merely the deployment of boots on the ground; it is also the presence of justice and the assurance of safety.
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“For parents in rural settlements and young people across affected communities, security must be a felt reality, and a daily reality that they can experience, not just read about in policy documents or news reports.’’
In February, no fewer than 10 people were killed in Barkin Ladi and Riyom. Last month, in Plateau State, over 30 people, many of whom were from the harmless and vulnerable groups, were killed in Angwan Rukuba,
The group lamented “the recurring gap between Early Warning and Early Response’’.
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“We have it in good authority that communities often detect the signs, rising tensions, unusual movements, or digital red flags circulating on social media and on the streets.
“However, the absence of a real-time mechanism to escalate and act on this intelligence continues to create a dangerous response lag that leaves civilians exposed,” the Raji decried.
CORN West Africa said there was the need to address these challenges through coordinated and collective action by the government.
It called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue to strengthen his political will around civilian protection by reinforcing accountability within security formations.
“This should be complemented by an operational review within security agencies to enhance intelligence utilisation and ensure that response mechanisms are swift and effective,” Raji added.
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CORN West Africa reminded the National Assembly of their responsibility on security and peacebuilding.
Raji explained that the national assembly’s lawful oversight on defence spending to ensure resource utilisation, is critical to achieving lasting peace in the country.
“Likewise, governors are encouraged to deepen collaboration with community structures and strengthen grassroots intelligence frameworks,” Raji noted.
CORN West Africa said safety is only a right merely expressed as a policy but must be seen to be done by the government.
