Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has intensified efforts to restore calm in Plateau State, sending his North Central Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, on a two-day peace mission that brought together influential Christian, Fulani, youth, and traditional leaders for renewed dialogue.
Dr. Essiet arrived in the state on Thursday and held a series of engagements across Barkin Ladi, Bassa, and Jos, aimed at strengthening community-based mechanisms for preventing conflict and rebuilding trust among long-fractured groups.
During a courtesy visit to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) in Barkin Ladi, discussions centred on the role of faith institutions in promoting unity and social cohesion. Dr. Essiet also met with Christian widows in the area, conveying President Tinubu’s message of reconciliation and inclusive governance.
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In a separate meeting with Fulani leaders under the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), she emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining dialogue between pastoralist and farming communities.
Similar engagements were held with Irigwe representatives, Miyetti Allah officials, and the Bassa Youth Council in a closed-door session focused on reinforcing the existing 17-member peace committee.
The visit culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos, attended by delegates from all 17 local government areas, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders. Discussions explored strategies for strengthening grassroots peace structures across the state.
A notable early success from the mediation efforts was the resolution of a dispute involving David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Gyel district of Jos South, and a group of herdsmen.
Toma had seized two cows after his farm was damaged. On November 15, MACBAN Chairman of Bassa LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid N500,000 in compensation, after which the cows were returned and all parties signed an undertaking to maintain peace.
Dr. Essiet reaffirmed President Tinubu’s “unwavering commitment to peace and inclusive governance,” saying the Community-Based Peace Structure would remain central to achieving long-term stability in the North Central region.
The visit was announced in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
