In a move aimed at pulling Plateau State out of the persistent cycle of violence and unrest, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with leaders of the state and urged them to return home and work together with unity of purpose to restore lasting peace.
The Federal Government also approved the release of N2 billion as emergency support for victims affected by the March 29 attack in Anguwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area.
During the three-hour meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu stated that the time had come for leaders at all levels to put aside personal interests, embrace one another, and work toward ending the continuous loss of lives and property.
“This is not a time for celebration,” the President said. “We are here to tell ourselves the truth. If youths are being used to fuel violence and killings, then leaders must first examine themselves.”
The President also challenged the delegation, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to return and review all past white papers and reports of previous committees set up on the state’s crisis, and come up with practical steps for implementation.
The 32-member delegation included former governors of the state such as Senator Simon Lalong, Senator Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Sir Fidelis Tapgun. Others present were the Emir of Wase, His Royal Highness Mohammed Haruna; the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba; the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state; as well as representatives of Muslim and Christian youths.
In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed joy over the meeting, describing it as the first time all former governors of the state had sat together in one room to discuss the future of Plateau State. He said it marked a new chapter of unity that could help restore the state’s reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
Also speaking, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, commended President Tinubu and called for the deployment of more security personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras across major parts of Jos city.
He also appealed to the President to assist in ensuring that internally displaced persons (IDPs) return to their ancestral homes before the rainy season begins.
The meeting fulfilled President Tinubu’s earlier promise to engage with Plateau stakeholders following the deadly killings in March. He reaffirmed that his administration would not stand by and watch people being killed without bringing those responsible for fueling the violence to justice.
Observers believe the Abuja meeting could become a major turning point in ending years of conflict in Plateau State, provided the leaders make good use of the opportunity to promote justice, fairness, and mutual respect.
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