Dare Babalola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a peace emissary to Plateau State as part of renewed efforts to restore harmony and foster intercommunal dialogue in the troubled North Central region.
The development was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, on Sunday.
Onanuga revealed that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, arrived in the state last Thursday and embarked on an intensive two-day peace mission, engaging religious leaders, traditional rulers, community representatives, and youth groups.
During the visit, Dr. Essiet met separately with Christian clergy and leaders of the Fulani Miyetti Allah before convening a town hall meeting in Jos, which brought together delegates from various local government areas, women leaders, and youth groups.
Discussions focused on strengthening community-based peace structures and improving coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious groups.
In Barkin Ladi, she paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Regional Church Council, Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, who is regarded as a leading voice for Christian communities in Plateau.
They discussed the role of faith-based leadership in building peace, unity, and social development.
Essiet also addressed widows in the area, conveying President Tinubu’s message of reconciliation.
She also held dialogue with Fulani leaders in the same community, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement and conflict prevention.
A workshop was later held in Jos on establishing peace structures across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
In a separate closed-door meeting, Dr. Essiet met with representatives of the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah, and the Youth Council of Bassa LGA to review the implementation of a 17-member Peace Committee aimed at fostering dialogue and reconciliation.
A notable breakthrough in the peace process was recorded when a long-running dispute between Jos South farmer David Toma, owner of Agha Farm, and some herders was resolved.
Toma had impounded two cows after his farm was destroyed. The matter was settled on November 15 when MACBAN Chairman in Bassa, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid N500,000 compensation to the farmer, who subsequently returned the cows. Both parties signed an undertaking to maintain peace.
Dr. Essiet reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance and durable peace, stressing that the Community-Based Peace Structure introduced by her office remains a key tool for grassroots unity and long-term stability in the North Central.
The peace mission follows continued efforts by the Tinubu administration to address communal tensions and promote national cohesion.
