By Lawrence Zongo
Residents of Garga and surrounding villages in Plateau State say they are still waiting for security formations publicly promised years ago, as concerns over banditry and violent attacks persist in parts of Kanam Local Government Area.
In an open letter dated February 17, Taru Salim Dugub, who identified himself as a concerned citizen of Kanam LGA, called on Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the lawmaker representing Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, is to provide clarity on previously announced security deployments.
According to the letter, Gagdi had, during his first term in office, visited Garga and neighbouring communities and informed residents that approval had been secured for the establishment of a Mobile Police Barracks to address rising insecurity in the area. Dugub wrote that the lawmaker indicated the approval had been obtained through the Inspector-General of Police.
Several years later, residents say no such facility has been established in the community.
The letter further stated that during his second term, Gagdi reassured constituents that discussions with the Chief of Defence Staff had concluded and that a Military Sector Base would soon be sited in Garga. Dugub said those assurances were repeated on multiple occasions, but that military personnel have yet to be deployed as previously announced.
Garga, Birbyang, and other nearby communities have experienced intermittent security incidents in recent years, according to local residents, who say attacks have resulted in displacement and destruction of property. Specific casualty figures were not included in the letter.
Dugub referenced Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. While legislators do not directly command security agencies, he argued that elected representatives are expected to advocate for and facilitate federal interventions in their constituencies.
The letter also questioned the status of financial assistance publicly announced during a visit to the affected communities.
On September 20, 2025, Gagdi reportedly visited Garga and announced a total donation of ₦75 million — ₦60 million from him personally and ₦15 million on behalf of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, identified in the letter as National APC Chairman — intended to support victims and assist with rebuilding efforts.
Dugub wrote that five months after the announcement, affected residents say they have not received the promised financial assistance.
In addition, the letter referenced relief materials reportedly valued at ₦40 million and presented in Dengi, the headquarters of Kanam Local Government Area, by a media aide associated with the lawmaker. While acknowledging the distribution of relief materials, Dugub stated that what had been announced to victims was direct financial support to enable reconstruction of damaged homes and livelihoods.
Residents who returned to affected communities are said to be rebuilding through personal and communal efforts, according to the letter.
The lawmaker has not publicly responded to the specific claims outlined in the letter as of the time of this report.
Security remains a recurring issue in parts of Plateau State, where farming communities have reported periodic attacks linked to armed groups. Calls for increased deployment of federal security personnel, including police and military units, have been raised by community leaders and civil society groups over the past several years.
Dugub’s letter urged the lawmaker to facilitate the deployment of the previously announced Mobile Police Barracks and Military Base to Garga and other vulnerable communities within the constituency. He also called for town hall meetings and sustained engagement with residents affected by insecurity.
The letter concluded with an appeal for action and accountability, stating that constituents are seeking updates on the status of the security formations and financial pledges announced in prior visits.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Gagdi’s office were not immediately successful.
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