President Bola Tinubu has launched a new federal peace initiative in Plateau State, sending a high-level emissary to hold direct talks with influential Christian clerics and Fulani Miyetti Allah leaders as the government moves to stem renewed tensions in the conflict-prone region.
According to a statement issued by the president’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, Abiodun Essiet, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), spent two days in the state holding a series of strategic meetings aimed at rebuilding trust between communities and strengthening conflict-resolution structures across all 17 local government areas.
Essiet met with Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) in Barkin Ladi, in what officials described as a key step toward securing faith-based support for de-escalation efforts.
She also addressed widows affected by recent violence, conveying the President’s message of reconciliation and renewed federal commitment.
Onanuga stated that Essiet held talks with Fulani leaders and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) to reduce tensions between herders and farming communities. She emphasized that Tinubu’s directive is for “inclusive engagement” with all parties to the conflict.
A workshop later convened in Jos outlined plans for a statewide community peace structure, designed to strengthen early warning systems and promote cross-community dialogue.
According to the statement, Essiet also met privately with leaders of the Irigwe community, MACBAN officials, and the Bassa LGA Youth Council, reviewing the role of the existing 17-member peace committee in preventing reprisals and sustaining communication channels.
The presidency also disclosed that the visit helped resolve a dispute in Gyel district after farmer David Toma seized two cows over the destruction of his crops. MACBAN Bassa Chairman, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid ₦500,000 in compensation on November 15, leading to the cows’ release. Both parties signed a peace undertaking.
