In a bid to restore peace and strengthen intercommunal harmony in Plateau State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement in the North Central Zone, to the state last Thursday.
Dr. Essiet spent two days engaging with key stakeholders, including Christian clerics, Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth representatives, the President’s spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed in a statement.
The visit also culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos, where delegates from various local government areas discussed ways to strengthen community-based peace structures and foster coexistence among diverse communities.
“During her visit, Dr. Essiet paid a courtesy call to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council in Barkin Ladi. The discussions focused on the role of faith-based leadership in promoting peace, unity, and social development. She also engaged widows in the community, conveying President Tinubu’s message of ethnic reconciliation in the state.
“In Barkin Ladi, Dr. Essiet held talks with Fulani leaders to encourage dialogue and mutual understanding between pastoral and farming communities, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement. She also conducted a workshop on establishing a community peace structure for all 17 Local Government Areas in Plateau.
“Additionally, Dr. Essiet held a closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah representatives, and members of the Youth Council of Bassa LGA. Discussions focused on sustaining peace and strengthening the 17-member peace committee tasked with fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and coexistence between communities”, the statement read.
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A notable outcome of the peace efforts was the resolution of a conflict between David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Gyel district of Jos South, and some herdsmen. Following the destruction of his farm, Toma had seized two cows. On November 15, the MACBAN Chairman of Bassa LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid a compensation of N500,000 to Toma, who subsequently released the cows. All parties signed an undertaking to embrace peace.
Dr. Essiet reaffirmed President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to peace and inclusive governance, highlighting that community-based peace structures remain critical instruments for grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability in the North Central region.
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