In a proactive move to quell recurring communal clashes and promote lasting harmony in Nigeria's North Central region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet, his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the North Central Zone, to Plateau State last Thursday.
The two-day mission focused on bridging divides between Christian and Fulani communities, culminating in a high-stakes town hall meeting in Jos.
Attendees included delegates from all 17 local government areas, traditional rulers, women leaders, and youth representatives, all convened to bolster community-based peace mechanisms and encourage coexistence among diverse ethnic groups.
Key Engagements Highlight Faith and DialogueDr. Essiet's itinerary began with a courtesy call on Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) in Barkin Ladi.
Described as the most vocal advocate for Christian communities in the state, Dachomo joined Essiet in discussions on the pivotal role of faith-based leadership in fostering peace, unity, and social development.
The pair also met with widows, delivering President Tinubu's assurances of ethnic reconciliation efforts.Shifting focus to pastoralist perspectives, Essiet engaged Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi, emphasizing dialogue between herders and farmers.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to inclusive stakeholder involvement.A practical workshop followed, training participants on establishing peace structures across Plateau's 17 local government areas.
In a closed-door session, representatives from the Irigwe community, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and the Youth Council of Bassa Local Government Area explored strategies for sustained reconciliation.
The 17-member peace committee emerged as a central tool for ongoing dialogue and stability."President Tinubu remains steadfast in his commitment to peace and inclusive governance," Dr. Essiet stated.
"These community-based structures are essential for grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability in the North Central region."
The mission yielded an immediate tangible success: the resolution of a farm destruction incident in Gyel district, Jos South.
Farm owner David Toma had impounded two cows after herdsmen allegedly damaged his crops. On November 15, MACBAN Chairman for Bassa LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, compensated Toma with N500,000.
Toma released the animals, and all parties signed a peace undertaking, pledging mutual cooperation.
This intervention shows the administration's hands-on approach to grassroots conflicts, which have plagued Plateau State for years, often involving farmer-herder disputes rooted in resource competition.