The President of the  Plateau Initiative for the Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) , Amb. Nanpon Danjuma Sheni has expressed dismay over a growing trend of blocking public highways in Plateau State whenever there are outbreaks of violence in parts of the state.

Amb.Sheni made his position known in a statement issued to newsmen in Jos Thursday.

While condemning  the continued attacks and killings of innocent Plateau citizens in their communities, PIDAN President noted that such acts  are reprehensible and unacceptable.

He cautions against the resort to blocking highways, many of which are federal roads, as a form of protest or expression of grievance.

"Such actions not only obstruct lawful movement and economic activities but have, in some instances, led to the harassment, attack, and even killing of innocent travelers who have no connection whatsoever to the crises. This is deeply regrettable and unacceptable.

"Resorting to highway blockades and mob actions does not bring justice to victims nor does it address the root causes of insecurity. Instead, it portrays Plateau State and its peace-loving people in a negative light, both nationally and internationally, undermining ongoing efforts toward peace, reconciliation, and development", Sheni stated.

PIDAN President tasked Plateau citizens, particularly the youth, to exercise restraint, remain law-abiding, and resist the temptation of taking the law into their own hands, no matter the provocation.

He equally calls on all community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and  stakeholders to intensify peace advocacy and discourage any form of collective punishment or retaliatory violence against innocent persons.

He charged security agencies to be more proactive, vigilant, and decisive in stemming the persistent attacks on innocent Plateau communities. 

"The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, and Plateau citizens deserve to live without fear in their ancestral homes."

He emphasize the urgent need for the deployment and effective use of actionable, real-time intelligence by security forces to prevent attacks before they occur, swiftly apprehend perpetrators, and dismantle networks responsible for violence in the state.

According to him, "sustainable peace in Plateau State will not be achieved through reprisals or mob justice, but through the rule of law, professionalism of security agencies, and collective commitment to peaceful coexistence.

"PIDAN remains committed to working with all stakeholders to promote peace, justice, and development across Plateau State", Sheni promised.