The Plateau State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised alarm over a string of pressing issues bedeviling Plateau State, ranging from rising insecurity and child trafficking to infrastructure decay and worsening sanitation in parts of the state.
These were the highlights of the Congress meeting held at the NUJ Secretariat in Jos, presided over by Ayuku Pwaspo, the state council chairperson.
In a communiqué signed by Ayuku Pwaspo and Mary Domtur, it’s chairman and Secretary respectively, issued to members at the end of the meeting, the union condemned the escalating wave of violence in Bokkos Local Government Area and other parts of the state where attackers have now resorted to destroying farmlands.
The Congress described this as an “economic war” and warned that unless urgent security measures are taken, the destruction could trigger a devastating food crisis across the state.
The Congress also expressed serious concern about the growing menace of child trafficking in Plateau State. Members urged the Plateau State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking to rise to the occasion and take decisive steps to combat the disturbing trend.
The union emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, community sensitization, and better protection mechanisms for vulnerable children.
On infrastructure, the NUJ commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his prompt intervention in rehabilitating the Secretariat Junction flyover following concerns raised during a recent media parley.
However, the union called on the government to go further by addressing the deplorable condition of roads in various communities, particularly within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, which they say continues to hamper economic activity and mobility.
“Congress decried the worsening insecurity on the Plateau, particularly in Bokkos, where marauders have shifted from killing to destroying farmlands—an act seen as an “economic war” against the people. Security agencies and government were urged to act swiftly to avert an imminent food crisis.
“Congress expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of child trafficking in Plateau. It urged the States Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking to take urgent action to end the ugly trend.
“Council appreciated the Plateau State Governor for promptly directing the rehabilitation of the Secretariat Junction flyover after the matter was raised during a media parley with journalists. However the congress called on the government to intensify rehabilitation of dilapidated roads in some communities within the Jos- Bukuru metropolis.”; the communiqué reads in part.
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Congress also lamented the flooding crisis in parts of the state capital, especially in Rayfield, Yingi, and Atiku Street. The union called for immediate and sustainable government action in constructing and maintaining effective drainage systems to prevent future disasters, noting that perennial floods threaten lives and properties annually.
On sanitation, the journalists’ body condemned the increasing practice of open defecation in several communities and urged local leaders to collaborate with the Plateau Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PRUWASSA) in providing affordable toilet facilities. According to the union, this will promote healthier living conditions and curb the spread of preventable diseases.
In addressing internal matters, the Congress appreciated the successful hosting of the NUJ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kano and celebrated the election of Tongnaan Dada Bawa as the new National Auditor from the Plateau Council.
It also called for the revitalization of the NUJ Press Centre in Jos by introducing indoor recreational activities to boost member engagement. The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, journalist welfare, and the general wellbeing of the Plateau people.
