In a move aimed at fostering peace and intercommunal harmony in Plateau State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last Thursday dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the North Central Zone, to the state.
Dr. Essiet spent two days engaging with key stakeholders, including Christian clerics, Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth representatives. Her visit culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos, where discussions focused on strengthening community-based peace structures and promoting coexistence among diverse communities.
During her visit, Dr. Essiet paid a courtesy call to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) in Barkin Ladi. They discussed the role of faith-based leadership in promoting peace, unity, and social development. She also met widows in the community and conveyed President Tinubu’s message of ethnic reconciliation and inclusive governance.
In addition, Dr. Essiet held discussions with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi to encourage dialogue and understanding between pastoral and farming communities, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement. She also conducted a workshop focused on establishing a community peace structure for the 17 local government areas in Jos.
A closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, the Miyetti Allah group, and representatives of the Youth Council of Bassa LGA addressed sustaining peace and the role of the 17-member peace committee in fostering dialogue and reconciliation between the communities.
Highlighting tangible progress, Dr. Essiet oversaw the resolution of a local conflict between David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Gyel district of Jos South, and some herdsmen. After Toma had seized two cows following farm destruction, the MACBAN Chairman of Bassa LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid N500,000 in compensation. Toma subsequently released the cows, and all parties signed an undertaking to maintain peace.
Dr. Essiet reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to peace and inclusive governance, emphasizing that community-based peace structures are vital for grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability across the North Central region.
