Tinubu Sends Peace Emissary to Plateau,Achieves Breakthrough in Community Conflict

In a decisive move to restore peace and strengthen intercommunal harmony in Plateau State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched a presidential emissary, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the North Central Zone. The envoy arrived in Plateau last Thursday and engaged in a series of high-level consultations over two days with key stakeholders, including Christian clerics, Fulani community leaders under the Miyetti Allah umbrella, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders.

Dr. Essiet’s mission aimed to deepen community-based peace initiatives and foster coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in Plateau. Her engagements culminated in a significant town hall meeting held in Jos, bringing together delegates from all 17 local government areas (LGAs) in the state. The meeting focused on practical strategies to strengthen community peace structures, thereby fostering sustainable peace and social cohesion.

One of the key highlights of Dr. Essiet’s visit was a courtesy call on Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) in Barkin Ladi. The discussions centered on the vital role of faith-based leadership in promoting peace, unity, and social development in the region. Dr. Essiet also met with widows in the community, delivering a heartfelt message from President Tinubu advocating for ethnic reconciliation and inclusive governance.

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In another critical engagement, Dr. Essiet met with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi to encourage dialogue and mutual understanding between pastoralist and farming communities—a longstanding source of tension in the area. These efforts underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive and participatory peacebuilding approaches.

A workshop facilitated by the emissary focused on the establishment and strengthening of community peace structures across all 17 LGAs. This initiative empowers local actors, including traditional rulers, youth councils, women groups, and community leaders, to take ownership of conflict prevention and reconciliation efforts.

In a closed-door session, Dr. Essiet convened representatives of the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah, and the Youth Council of Bassa LGA to bolster the 17-member peace committee dedicated to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and coexistence between conflicting groups.

A concrete early success of the peace mission was the resolution of a dispute between David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in the Gyel district of Jos South, and some herdsmen whose cattle had destroyed his farm. Following a compensation payment of N500,000 by Alhaji Isah Yau, MACBAN Chairman of Bassa LGA, Toma released the seized cows, and all parties signed an undertaking to uphold peace.

Dr. Essiet reiterated President Tinubu’s firm commitment to peace and inclusive governance, highlighting that the grassroots Community-Based Peace Structure remains a cornerstone for sustainable unity and conflict resolution in Plateau and the broader North Central region.

This presidential initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to complement security agency interventions and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency’s work, emphasizing justice, fairness, and the promotion of lasting social harmony in one of Nigeria’s most conflict-prone states.

The Federal Government and Plateau State leadership have pledged continuous collaboration with traditional institutions, religious bodies, and community stakeholders to address the root causes of conflicts, support displaced persons, and rebuild affected communities, ensuring lasting peace and development across the region.

This mission marks a significant stride in President Tinubu’s wider peacebuilding agenda targeting Plateau and Nigeria’s North Central Zone, reflecting a holistic and inclusive approach to fostering national unity and stability through grassroots engagement.