A civil society organisation, Safe House for Justice and Human Empowerment Centre (SHJHEC), has urged the Federal and Plateau State governments to strengthen early warning and rapid response mechanisms to protect vulnerable communities from attacks.
The organisation also called for the protection of civilians and safe access to farmlands, saying prolonged insecurity had continued to expose residents to displacement and loss of livelihoods.
Mrs Edit Gamut, Executive Director of SHJHEC, made the call on Wednesday in Jos at a news conference commemorating the 2026 World Humanitarian Day.
Gamut, a legal practitioner, said the event was organised in collaboration with Ascend Community Wellness Centre and Relief and Hope Foundation (RAHF).
She said the prolonged insecurity in Plateau had created a humanitarian crisis, with many households unable to access their farmlands and other income-generating opportunities.
“Recent findings have revealed that many households are unable to access farmlands and income-generating opportunities, leaving both displaced persons and host communities increasingly vulnerable.
“For farming communities in particular, insecurity has cut off many families from their farmlands and income-generating opportunities.
“The resulting loss of productive assets has deepened food insecurity, poverty and vulnerability while placing additional pressure on host communities,” she said.
Gamut called on the government to prioritise civilian protection and strengthen mechanisms for detecting and responding quickly to emerging threats.
“So, we are calling on both the federal and state governments to protect civilians, not just territories; strengthen early warning and rapid response systems, secure farming communities and support safe access to farmlands,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Nanmak Bali, Executive Director of RAHF, expressed concern over the humanitarian challenges arising from increased displacement of residents in the state.
Bali decried inadequate access to healthcare, quality education, safe water, sanitation and other basic facilities in vulnerable communities.
He urged the government to scale up support for food security, protection, shelter, mental health, livelihoods and psychosocial support, particularly for women, children and persons with disabilities in displaced communities.
The 2026 World Humanitarian Day was observed with the theme, “Act for Humanity.”
