By Ajewole Joshua|A news| November 16, 2025
Efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to calm lingering tensions in Plateau State recorded significant progress last week as his North Central aide on community engagement, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, concluded a two-day peace mission across key communities.
Dr. Essiet, who arrived the state on Thursday, met separately with Christian leaders, traditional rulers, Fulani representatives and youth groups; a move aimed at strengthening grassroots reconciliation and restoring trust among divided communities.
Her visit began in Barkin Ladi, where she held discussions with the Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC), Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo. The talks centred on how faith-based leadership can drive dialogue, unity and social development. Rev. Dachomo, widely regarded as a strong voice for Christian groups in the region, joined Essiet in addressing widows and community members, conveying President Tinubu’s message of renewed hope and ethnic harmony.
Dr. Essiet also held talks with Fulani leaders in the same community, opening channels for continued engagement between pastoral families and farming communities. She emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to inclusive dialogue capable of preventing further clashes.
A town hall meeting in Jos later brought together delegates from all 17 local government areas, including traditional rulers, women leaders and youth representatives. Discussions focused on strengthening community-based peace structures and building sustainable solutions that go beyond emergency interventions.
During the visit, Essiet hosted a workshop for stakeholders from all 17 LGAs on how to operationalize a lasting community peace framework. She also held a closed-door session with the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah representatives and youth leaders from Bassa LGA, addressing ways to support the newly constituted 17-member peace committee and deepen ongoing reconciliation efforts.
One immediate impact of the peace mission was the resolution of a dispute involving the owner of Agha Farm in Gyel district, David Toma, and some herdsmen. Toma had seized two cows after part of his farmland was destroyed. Following mediation efforts, the Chairman of MACBAN in Bassa LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid N500,000 as compensation on November 15, prompting Toma to release the animals. Both parties signed an undertaking to maintain peace going forward.
Dr. Essiet reaffirmed President Tinubu’s stance that long-term stability in Plateau State depends on inclusive governance, grassroots dialogue and community-driven solutions.
The Presidency described the mission as a strong step toward rebuilding trust and securing lasting peace across the North Central region.
