Killings: Tinubu dispatches emissary to Fulani, Christian leaders in Plateau

President Bola Tinubu has sent one of his senior aides, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, to Plateau State as part of renewed efforts to halt recurring violence and deepen cooperation among local communities.

Essiet, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the North Central region, visited the state last Thursday and spent two days meeting with stakeholders, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

During her visit, Essiet engaged with Christian leaders and representatives of the Fulani Miyetti Allah community.

“The efforts culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos. Delegates from various local government areas, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders gathered to discuss ways to strengthen community-based peace structures and promote coexistence among diverse communities.

“Essiet paid a courtesy visit to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC), in Barkin Ladi, where discussions centred on faith-based leadership and its role in promoting peace, unity, and social development. Along with Dachomo, she addressed some widows and conveyed President Tinubu’s message of fostering ethnic reconciliation in the state. Dachomo has been the loudest voice of Christian communities in the state,” the statement said.

The presidency also noted that Essiet held talks with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi aimed at improving dialogue between farming and pastoral groups and reaffirming the Federal Government’s focus on inclusive consultations.

“Later in the day, she conducted a workshop on establishing a community peace structure for the 17 Local Government Areas in Jos.

“Dr Essiet also held a closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, the Miyetti Allah group, and representatives from the Youth Council of Bassa LGA. They focused on sustaining peace and discussed how the 17-member peace committee strengthens dialogue, reconciliation, and coexistence between the two communities.

“Dr Essiet reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to peace and inclusive governance, noting that the Community-Based Peace Structure serves as a key instrument for grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability in the North Central region.

“A quick win in the peace efforts was the resolution of the conflict between David Toma, the owner of Agha Farm in Gyel district of Jos South and some herdsmen. Toma seized two cows following the destruction of his farm. On November 15, the MACBAN Chairman of BASSA LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid a compensation of N500,000 to Toma, who subsequently released the cows. All parties signed an undertaking to embrace peace in the state,” the statement added.