By Emmanuel Kwada
In a significant move to address escalating tensions in Plateau State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the North Central Zone, as a peace emissary to the region.
The initiative, announced today via a State House press release by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, aims to foster peace and promote intercommunal harmony following recent conflicts.
Dr. Essiet arrived in Plateau State last Thursday and spent two days engaging with key stakeholders, including Christian clerics, Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth representatives.
Her visit culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos, where delegates from all 17 local government areas gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening community-based peace structures and fostering coexistence among diverse groups.
A highlight of the mission was Dr. Essiet’s courtesy visit to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) in Barkin Ladi. The discussions focused on the role of faith-based leadership in promoting peace, unity, and social development. Alongside Reverend Dachomo, she addressed widows, delivering President Tinubu’s message of ethnic reconciliation.
Dr. Essiet also held productive meetings with Fulani leaders to enhance dialogue between pastoral and farming communities, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement.
Further efforts included a workshop on establishing a community peace structure for the 17 local government areas and a closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah group, and Youth Council of Bassa LGA. These discussions emphasized sustaining peace and leveraging a 17-member peace committee to strengthen dialogue and reconciliation.
A notable breakthrough emerged from the peace efforts, with the resolution of a conflict between David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Jos South, and local herdsmen.
Following the destruction of his farm, Toma had seized two cows. On November 15, Alhaji Isah Yau, Chairman of MACBAN in Bassa LGA, paid N500,000 in compensation, leading to the release of the cows. All parties signed an undertaking to embrace peace moving forward.
Dr. Essiet underscored President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, describing community-based peace structures as vital instruments for grassroots unity and long-term stability in the North Central region.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over communal violence, with some online reactions labeling the efforts as a response to international pressure, including a recent tweet attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump threatening action over alleged Christian killings.
The mission has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some praising the government’s proactive approach, while others criticize it as inadequate, calling for stronger action against groups like Miyetti Allah, which have faced allegations of involvement in violence.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on Plateau State for further updates on these peace-building efforts.
