A concerned resident has publicly challenged the Executive Chairman of Kanam Local Government Council in Nigeria’s Plateau State, accusing him of dereliction of duty by residing outside the council area amid ongoing terrorist and bandit attacks.
In an open letter dated February 17, Tarub Salim Dugub addressed Hon. Salihu Ayuba Musa, stating that the chairman’s continued presence in Jos, the state capital, neglects his constitutional role as the council’s Chief Security Officer. The criticism follows a suspected Fulani bandit attack on Garga town in Kanam LGA the previous evening, which resulted in multiple fatalities, injuries, and property destruction.
Dugub asserted that leadership during a security crisis requires physical presence among the affected populace. He alleged the chairman only makes “condolence visits” after attacks occur, rather than maintaining a permanent base to coordinate protection and response. The letter urges Musa to return to Kanam immediately to oversee security operations, engage with local stakeholders, and provide the “visible leadership” demanded by citizens.
The resident emphasized that effective security management cannot be conducted remotely. He argued that the chairman’s absence prevents accurate ground assessment, weakens coordination with state and federal security agencies, and undermines public confidence. Dugub called for the chairman to directly report the severity of the situation to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to prompt decisive state intervention.
This incident highlights the persistent security challenges in parts of Nigeria’s north-central region, where rural communities frequently face lethal raids by armed groups. Plateau State has repeatedly experienced violent conflicts involving pastoralist and farming communities, often exacerbated by weak local governance in hard-hit areas.
The public rebuke places focus on the accountability of local government officials in Nigeria’s federal structure, where council chairs are constitutionally responsible for maintaining public order within their jurisdictions. Observers note that the perceived absence of local leadership during crises can fuel community distrust and hinder coordinated security efforts.
The chairman’s office has not yet issued a public response to the allegations. The situation in Kanam LGA remains tense, with residents demanding immediate and sustained governmental action to halt recurring attacks.
