President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday hosted key stakeholders from Plateau State at the State House, Abuja, urging them to embrace dialogue, tolerance and unity to end the persistent crises in the state.
The meeting, which lasted about three hours, brought together a 32-member delegation led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, alongside former governors, traditional rulers, youth representatives and religious leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu challenged Plateau leaders to return home with “open minds” and revisit past government white papers on security crises, with a view to proposing practical and implementable solutions for lasting peace.
Participants at the session identified longstanding issues such as indigeneship, religion, ethnicity and farmer-herder conflicts as major drivers of violence in the state. They pledged renewed commitment to reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts.
As part of federal intervention, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mohammed Dorro, announced the approval of N2 billion relief support by the President for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.
Tinubu stressed that leaders must take responsibility for fostering peace and discouraging actions that incite violence, noting that Plateau had historically been known for its diversity and hospitality.
“There must be tolerance for every inhabitant. Leaders must examine themselves and ensure they are not part of the problem,” the President said, urging stakeholders to convene locally, harmonise positions and forward actionable resolutions to the Federal Government.
He also called for the identification and prosecution of those instigating violence, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and security in the state.
In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang thanked the President for his intervention and described the meeting as historic, noting it was the first time all former governors of the state were gathered for such a dialogue.
He assured Tinubu of the stakeholders’ resolve to close divisions along religious and ethnic lines and work towards rebuilding the state’s economy and social cohesion.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the President’s leadership and called for increased deployment of security personnel, installation of surveillance systems and support for the establishment of state police to tackle insecurity.
Other speakers at the meeting emphasised the need for sincerity, enforcement of the rule of law and collective responsibility, with youth representatives from both Christian and Muslim communities pledging to work together to sustain peace in Plateau State.