President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on political, traditional, and community leaders in Plateau State to unite and take decisive steps toward ending the cycle of violence in the state.
At an interactive session held at the State House in Abuja, the President urged stakeholders, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to return home with renewed commitment to peace and review past government White Papers on the crises to develop practical and lasting solutions.
The meeting followed recent violence in Angwa Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, and brought together a 32-member delegation, including former governors such as Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, and Joshua Dariye, as well as religious leaders, youth representatives, and traditional rulers.
During the session, participants identified key drivers of the recurring conflicts, including issues of indigeneship, religion, ethnicity, and farmer-herder clashes. They pledged to work collectively to restore peace and stability.
In a major intervention, the Federal Government approved ₦2 billion in relief support for victims of the March 29 attack, a development announced by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.
President Tinubu emphasized the need for tolerance, justice, and inclusive leadership, warning against the recruitment of individuals to instigate violence. He urged leaders to identify and hold accountable those responsible for fueling unrest.
“To stop creating orphans, widows, and widowers, there must be enduring peace,” the President said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the development of Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the President’s efforts and pledged the full cooperation of Plateau leaders in building a united and peaceful state. He described the meeting as historic, noting it was the first time all former governors of the state convened for such a dialogue.
Traditional rulers, including the Gbong Gwom Jos, also called for increased security measures, including the deployment of more troops and surveillance infrastructure, while advocating long-term solutions such as state policing.
Youth representatives at the meeting equally pledged to work across religious and ethnic lines to support peacebuilding efforts.
The meeting marks a renewed push by the Federal Government and Plateau stakeholders to address longstanding grievances and chart a sustainable path to peace in the state.