Tinubu deploys peace emissary to Plateau to foster harmony

Abdullateef Fowewe

In a strong move to restore peace and intercommunal harmony in Plateau State, President Tinubu sent Dr Abiodun Essiet, his senior special assistant on community engagement in the North Central Zone, to the region last Thursday.

A statement on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Dr Essiet engaged with multiple stakeholders during her two-day visit, including Christian and Fulani leaders, women, youth, and traditional rulers.

During discussions with Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC), Dr Essiet emphasised the significant role of “faith-based leadership and its role in promoting peace, unity, and social development.”

She conveyed “President Tinubu’s message of fostering ethnic reconciliation in the state” to Christian communities.

Dr Essiet also met with Fulani Miyetti Allah leaders, underscoring the Federal Government’s “commitment to inclusive engagement” to bridge divides between pastoralists and farmers.

A town hall meeting in Jos gathered diverse delegates to discuss how to “strengthen community-based peace structures and promote coexistence among diverse communities.”

Highlighting progress, Dr Essiet shared a quick success: a peaceful resolution of a conflict involving David Toma and herdsmen in Jos South, where “Alhaji Isah Yau paid compensation of N500,000 to Toma,” leading to the release of seized cows and an undertaking by all parties to maintain peace.

Dr Essiet reaffirmed President Tinubu’s steadfast commitment, describing the Community-Based Peace Structure as “a key instrument for grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability in the North Central region.”