In a renewed effort to restore lasting peace and strengthen intercommunal relations in Plateau State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deployed his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, to lead a series of peacebuilding interventions across the state.
Essiet arrived in Plateau on Thursday for a two-day mission, during which she met with Christian clerics, Fulani community leaders under Miyetti Allah, traditional rulers, women’s groups, and youth representatives. The engagements culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos, where delegates from all 17 local government areas discussed strategies for revitalising community-based peace structures and promoting sustainable coexistence.
During a courtesy visit to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) in Barkin Ladi, Essiet emphasized the role of faith-based leadership in reconciliation efforts. Dachomo, one of the most prominent voices advocating for Christian communities in the state, joined her in addressing widows affected by past conflicts while relaying President Tinubu’s message of unity and healing.
Essiet also held an interface with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi, where discussions focused on strengthening dialogue between pastoralists and farming communities amid recurring tensions. She assured stakeholders of the Federal Government’s commitment to an inclusive peace process that prioritizes justice, understanding, and mutual respect.
A closed-door meeting involving the Irigwe community, the Miyetti Allah leadership, and representatives of the Bassa Local Government Youth Council further explored mechanisms for sustaining ongoing peace efforts. The session reviewed the progress of the 17-member peace committee responsible for fostering reconciliation and deepening engagement between communities in the area.
Essiet reiterated President Tinubu’s determination to promote grassroots peacebuilding, describing the Community-Based Peace Structure as a vital tool for dialogue and long-term stability in the North Central region.
A notable early result of the intervention was the peaceful resolution of a dispute between a farmer, David Toma—owner of Agha Farm in Gyel district, Jos South—and some herders whose cattle had damaged the farm. Toma had seized two cows in response, but following mediation, the MACBAN Chairman of Bassa LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid N500,000 compensation on November 15. The cows were subsequently returned, and all parties signed an undertaking to maintain peace.
The Presidency said the engagements demonstrate Tinubu’s commitment to fostering harmony among Plateau’s diverse communities through dialogue, inclusiveness, and pragmatic conflict resolution.
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