President Bola Tinubu has tasked leaders from Plateau State to review past White Papers on the region’s security crises and put forward practical solutions to stop the cycle of violence. The directive was given during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday with a 32‑member delegation representing Plateau’s government, traditional institutions, religious bodies, lawmakers and youth groups.
In a statement released by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the president urged the delegation to “examine themselves, prevent recruitment for tribal conflict and adopt the recommendations contained in previous White Papers.” He instructed the group to convene a leadership summit, study past recommendations and report any unresolved issues with actionable resolutions.
The meeting also saw the approval of a N2 billion relief package for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Mohammed Dorro announced the assistance during an interactive session with the delegation.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, legislators and youth representatives attended the talks. The governor thanked the president for his “commitment to resolving Plateau’s security challenges” and noted that it was the first occasion all former governors of the state had gathered together. He pledged the state’s cooperation with the federal government’s peace‑building initiatives and urged the identification and prosecution of “agent provocateurs” who fuel unrest.
Traditional ruler Gbong Gwom Jos Jacob Gyang Buba praised Tinubu’s leadership, calling for additional security forces, the installation of CCTV cameras and support for the return of displaced persons to their communities. Youth delegates from Christian and Muslim groups also affirmed their willingness to collaborate on peace efforts and back the governor’s programs.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Idris Wase highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of the rule of law, linking drug abuse to the state’s insecurity. He called for robust measures to curb illicit drug use as part of a broader strategy to enhance safety.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development in Plateau and emphasized the state’s historic reputation for hospitality and peace. “We must find a way to accommodate one another and stop the recruitment of individuals to instigate tribal conflict,” he said.
The delegation was instructed to return to Plateau, hold a leadership meeting, and present a consolidated plan based on the reviewed White Papers. The president’s engagement follows his recent visit to the state after a series of killings, signaling an intensified federal focus on restoring stability in the region. The outcomes of the upcoming leadership summit are expected to shape the next phase of peace‑building and security interventions in Plateau State.
