Tinubu deploys emissary to foster harmony in Plateau

In a proactive move to restore peace and strengthen intercommunal relations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deployed Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the North Central Zone, to Plateau State.

The envoy spent two days engaging with local leaders and communities to promote dialogue and reconciliation.

During her visit, Dr. Essiet met with Christian clerics and Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders, culminating in a town hall meeting in Jos.

The gathering brought together delegates from various local government areas, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders to discuss strategies for building community-based peace structures and fostering coexistence among diverse groups.

In Barkin Ladi, Dr. Essiet paid a courtesy visit to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC).

The discussions focused on faith-based leadership and its role in promoting peace, unity, and social development.

She also addressed widows in the community, conveying President Tinubu’s message of ethnic reconciliation in the state.

The emissary further met with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi to strengthen dialogue between pastoral and farming communities, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement.

She also conducted a workshop on establishing community peace structures across the 17 local government areas in Jos.

In a closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah group, and representatives from the Youth Council of Bassa LGA, Dr. Essiet discussed sustainable peace initiatives and the role of a 17-member peace committee in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and coexistence.

A notable success of the visit was the resolution of a conflict between David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Gyel District, Jos South, and local herders.

Following the destruction of his farm, Toma had seized two cows. On November 15, Alhaji Isah Yau, MACBAN Chairman of Bassa LGA, paid N500,000 as compensation to Toma, who then released the cows. Both parties signed an undertaking to maintain peace.

Dr. Essiet emphasized President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to peace and inclusive governance, noting that community-based structures remain crucial for grassroots unity and long-term stability in the North Central region.