The Senate on Thursday organized a security summit for the North Central zone in Jos, Plateau State, aimed at addressing the escalating insecurity across the region.

The North Central zone, which includes Plateau, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa states, has experienced a sharp rise in violent attacks. In Plateau State alone, over 420 communities have been affected, with more than 12,000 lives lost in the past decade.

Leading the Senate delegation, Senator Abba Moro emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling national security challenges.

“National security is a shared responsibility. It does not rest solely on the military or security agencies,” he stated.

Moro, representing Benue South, highlighted the devastating impact of insurgency, militancy, banditry, kidnapping, and other threats across the country. He explained that the summit was intended to generate “practical and actionable solutions” through contributions from security experts, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organizations, and victims of violence.

“Please be assured that the input gathered today will shape the recommendations we submit to the Senate, guiding legislative actions, budget priorities, and policy reforms to strengthen our national security framework,” he added.

He stressed that the summit’s outcomes would contribute to a more comprehensive and enduring national security policy. Communities must remain vigilant, state governments should enhance local security efforts, the private sector needs to form strategic partnerships, and the Federal Government must continue reforming and modernizing security institutions to address evolving threats.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State decried the loss of lives and livelihoods, attributing insecurity to competition over land and political power, population pressures, and criminal activities.

“It is time to stop pointing fingers and comparing who has lost more lives across religious or ethnic lines,” he said. “It is time to unite, join hands, and confront this demon.”

Represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang commended the Senate for the initiative, calling the summit a positive step toward finding lasting solutions to the national security crisis.

The one-day summit brought together a wide range of stakeholders—including traditional rulers, youth groups, opinion leaders, security agencies, and academics—who are expected to provide recommendations on the most effective strategies to combat insecurity in the region.