President Bola Tinubu has intensified efforts to restore peace in Plateau State by sending a special emissary, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, to engage with various communities and promote intercommunal harmony. According to a statement by the president’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Dr. Essiet spent two days in the state, holding meetings with Christian leaders, Fulani communities, traditional rulers, and youth groups to strengthen grassroots peace structures.
During her visit, Dr. Essiet met with leaders of the Regional Church Council in Barkin Ladi, including its Chairman, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, to discuss the role of faith-based leadership in promoting peace, unity, and social development. She also addressed widows in the community and delivered the President’s message of reconciliation to Christian groups. Additionally, Dr. Essiet held a separate meeting with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi to promote dialogue and mutual understanding between pastoral and farming communities, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement.
The engagements culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos, which drew participants from various local government areas, traditional rulers, women leaders, and youth groups. Dr. Essiet also conducted a workshop on establishing community peace structures across the 17 local government areas of the state. In a closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, the Miyetti Allah group, and representatives of the Bassa Youth Council, discussions centered on strengthening the existing 17-member peace committee to enhance dialogue and reconciliation.
The efforts have already yielded a positive outcome, with the resolution of a dispute between a farmer, David Toma of Agha Farm in Jos South, and some herdsmen, following the destruction of his farmland. The Chairman of MACBAN in Bassa LGA, Isah Yau, paid N500,000 compensation to Toma on Saturday, leading to the release of two cows earlier seized by the farmer. All parties had signed an undertaking to embrace peace in the state.
The move is part of President Tinubu’s commitment to peace, inclusive governance, and long-term stability in the region. Community-based peace structures are critical tools for fostering unity in the North-Central region, and the Federal Government is working to establish and strengthen these structures. The success of these efforts will be crucial in promoting lasting peace and stability in Plateau State, and the federal government’s commitment to inclusive engagement and community-based peace structures is a step in the right direction.
