In a landmark meeting on Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened Plateau State’s top political, traditional, and community leaders at the State House in Abuja to address the recurring violence and insecurity that has plagued the state for years. The interactive session, which brought together a 32-member delegation led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, culminated in a collective pledge by Plateau leaders to renew peace efforts and pursue reconciliation across ethnic, religious, and political divides.
The session, held in fulfillment of President Tinubu’s promise to personally engage with Plateau stakeholders, followed violent attacks in Angwa Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, on March 29. Speaking with candor and urgency, President Tinubu urged the leaders to return home with open minds, review past government White Papers on security crises, and propose actionable resolutions. He challenged them to put a permanent end to the cycle of conflict, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and justice at every level of leadership.
“No protocols, no hindrances, we are here to speak our minds and find a permanent solution to a recurring conflict and chaos,” President Tinubu declared. “Let us first of all accept one resolution – tolerance for every inhabitant. If people are being recruited to provoke anger, conflict and killings, it is you, the leaders, that should first of all examine yourselves.”
The president’s call for unity and accountability resonated throughout the three-hour session. Speaker after speaker, including representatives of youth groups, acknowledged the complex roots of Plateau’s crises: indigeneship, religion, ethnicity, and farmer-herder clashes. They affirmed their commitment to peace, promising to work together to heal divisions and foster a sense of belonging for all residents.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting victims, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Mohammed Dorro, announced a N2 billion relief package for those affected by the March 29 attack in Angwa Rukuba. The gesture was widely welcomed as a step toward rebuilding trust and supporting the recovery of displaced persons and communities.
The meeting included an array of prominent Plateau leaders: Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman; former governors Senators Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Fidelis Tapgun; HRM Mohammed Haruna, Emir of Wase; HRM Da John Putmang Hirse; Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk of CAN; Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum (Rtd); Rt. Hon. Naanlong Gapyil Daniel, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly; Dame Pauline Tallen, former Deputy Governor; Air Marshal JD Wuyep (Rtd); and others.
Governor Mutfwang, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the president’s proactive approach and the rare unity shown by Plateau’s leaders. “There is a renewed spirit on the Plateau; we want to be together. We are determined more than ever to close all our gaps, ensure that we rise above all the divides of religion and ethnicity, and build a state we can all be proud of,” he said. He underscored the need to transform conflict into opportunity and pledged to support initiatives that drive development and cohesion.
Traditional ruler Gbong Gwon Jos, HRM Da Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the president’s leadership and called for the deployment of more troops, installation of CCTV cameras, and support for the return of internally displaced persons. He also advocated for the creation of state police as a long-term solution to insecurity.
Representatives from both Christian and Muslim youth groups voiced their commitment to peace, while lawmakers and community leaders emphasized justice, the rule of law, and the reintegration of displaced populations. Drug abuse and its impact on security were also highlighted as key challenges to address.
President Tinubu concluded the meeting by reiterating his administration’s dedication to infrastructural development in Plateau and calling on leaders to “summon a leadership meeting among yourselves, take the gazette, review the previous recommendations and agree to implement the White Paper.” He promised to personally attend to any unresolved issues and stressed the importance of inclusiveness, justice, and fairness in building lasting peace.
The session marks a significant step in the federal government’s efforts to restore stability to Plateau State. With the N2 billion relief approval and renewed commitments from its leaders, hopes are high for a new era of unity and progress on the Plateau.
