President Bola Tinubu has intensified his administration’s peace-building efforts in Plateau State, dispatching his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, on a two-day mission to foster reconciliation among the state’s diverse communities.
Dr. Essiet arrived in Plateau on Thursday, holding a series of engagements with Christian clerics, Fulani leaders, traditional rulers, women and youth groups. The visit culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos attended by delegates from across all 17 local government areas, where participants explored strategies to strengthen community-based peace structures and enhance coexistence.
As part of her itinerary, Essiet paid a courtesy visit to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council in Barkin Ladi, a prominent voice in the Christian community. Their discussions focused on the role of faith leaders in promoting unity, social development and intercommunal harmony. She also met with widows in the community, conveying President Tinubu’s message of ethnic reconciliation.
The presidential aide later met Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi to promote dialogue between pastoralists and farmers, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to balanced, inclusive engagement. She also facilitated a workshop in Jos on creating and sustaining community peace structures across the state’s 17 LGAs.
In a closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah representatives and the Youth Council of Bassa LGA, Essiet reviewed ongoing efforts of a 17-member peace committee aimed at deepening dialogue and long-term reconciliation.
Dr. Essiet stressed President Tinubu’s “unwavering commitment to peace and inclusive governance,” emphasizing that grassroots peace platforms remain central to stability in the North Central region.
A notable early gain from the renewed peace push was the resolution of a dispute between David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Gyel District, Jos South, and a group of herdsmen after the destruction of his farmland. Toma had seized two cows in retaliation, but on November 15, MACBAN Chairman of Bassa LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid N500,000 compensation, leading to the release of the animals. Both parties signed an undertaking to maintain peace.
The presidency said the engagement reflects Tinubu’s broader commitment to restoring trust and preventing violence in conflict-prone communities.