Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has intensified efforts to end years of communal violence in Plateau State, deploying a presidential peace envoy whose interventions have already produced the first recorded resolution in the latest wave of tensions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent his Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr Abiodun Essiet, on a two-day mission across conflict-affected communities to rebuild trust and strengthen grassroots peace mechanisms.
During the visit, Dr Essiet held consultations with Christian clerics, Fulani leaders, traditional rulers, women’s groups, and youth delegates. The engagements culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos aimed at reinforcing early-warning systems and intercommunal dialogue.
In a statement issued by Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, Essiet said the mission reflects the President’s commitment to inclusive governance. “Community-driven engagement remains central to stabilising the North Central,” she said.
Her visit included a courtesy call to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council in Barkin Ladi, who pledged religious institutions’ support for reconciliation. The envoy also met members of the Fulani community and facilitated a closed-door dialogue involving the Irigwe community, MACBAN, and the Bassa Youth Council.
The meeting strengthened the newly formed 17-member peace committee tasked with conflict-prevention measures across Plateau’s 17 local government areas.
A major breakthrough emerged when a land dispute between Agha Farm owner David Toma and unidentified herders was peacefully resolved after MACBAN Chairman Alhaji Isah Yau paid ₦500,000 in compensation. Two seized cows were released, and both parties signed a commitment to maintain peace.
“What happened here proves that dialogue delivers results faster than violence,” Essiet said, urging communities to prioritise non-violent dispute resolution.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Chukwu Obinna 
