Plateau Leaders Meet President Tinubu as FG Approves N2bn Relief for Victims

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on political, traditional, and community leaders from Plateau State to take decisive steps toward ending the cycle of violence in the state, urging them to embrace tolerance and pursue lasting peace.

The President made the appeal on Tuesday during a high-level interactive session with Plateau stakeholders at the State House in Abuja. The meeting, which lasted about three hours, brought together a 32-member delegation led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

FG Approves N2 Billion for Victims

As part of federal intervention efforts, the government approved N2 billion in relief support for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area. The announcement was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation during the session.

Tinubu Urges Leaders to Act

President Tinubu challenged Plateau leaders to return home with “open minds” and work collectively to end recurring conflicts. He specifically directed them to review past government White Papers on security crises and propose practical solutions for implementation.

He stressed the need for tolerance and accountability among leaders, warning against the recruitment of individuals to incite violence.

“We must find a way to accommodate one another and stop the cycle of conflict and killings,” the President said.

Tinubu further emphasized that sustainable peace is essential to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of communities, urging leaders to ensure justice, fairness, and inclusivity across ethnic and religious lines.

Key Issues Identified

Participants at the meeting—including youth representatives—highlighted major drivers of conflict in Plateau State, such as:

• Indigeneship disputes

• Religious and ethnic divisions

• Farmer-herder clashes

They collectively pledged renewed commitment to peacebuilding efforts.

Governor Mutfwang Pledges Unity

Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the meeting as historic, noting that it marked the first time former governors of the state gathered for such dialogue.

He assured the President of a united front among Plateau leaders to overcome divisions and rebuild the state.

“We are determined to close all gaps, rise above religious and ethnic divides, and build a state we can all be proud of,” the governor said.

Traditional Leaders Seek More Security Measures

The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the President’s efforts but called for additional security interventions, including:

• Deployment of more troops

• Installation of CCTV surveillance systems

• Consideration of state policing

He also urged federal support for the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities.

Broad Stakeholder Participation

The delegation included prominent figures such as:

• Former governors of Plateau State

• Religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities

• Youth representatives

• Political and military leaders

Youth representatives from both faiths expressed readiness to collaborate in sustaining peace across the state.

Call for Rule of Law

Participants also emphasized the importance of enforcing the rule of law, with some highlighting the role of drug abuse in fueling insecurity and calling for stronger legal action against offenders.

Looking Ahead

The meeting fulfilled President Tinubu’s earlier promise to engage Plateau stakeholders following recent violence in the state. It marks a renewed effort to address long-standing conflicts through dialogue, collaboration, and policy action.

While stakeholders expressed optimism, they acknowledged that achieving lasting peace would require sincerity, commitment, and sustained cooperation among all parties.