Tinubu sends emissary to Plateau State in attempt to end Muslim/Christian communal killings

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has decided to intervene in the ongoing communal violence rocking Plateau State by sending his emissary Dr Abiodun Essiet to go there and initiate a dialogue between local Christian and Muslim leaders.

Over recent weeks, Plateau State has been on fire with Muslim Fulani herdsmen carrying out bloody attacks on rural Christian communities. Plateau State's Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has always alleged that those who carry out the killings are just errand boys doing the dirty work of their high placed sponsors.

To prevent the matter escalating any further, President Tinubu has sent Dr Essiet, his senior special assistant on community engagement in the north central zone, to Plateau State to talk to local leaders. According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Dr Essiet has spent two days in the state already, meeting with Christian clerics and Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders.

He added that at a town hall meeting in Jos, the state capital, delegates from various local government areas, traditional rulers, women and youth leaders gathered to discuss ways to strengthen community-based peace structures and promote co-existence among diverse communities. Dr Essiet then visited Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, the chairman of the Regional Church Council, in Barkin Ladi, where discussions centred on faith-based leadership and its role in promoting peace, unity, and social development.

Mr Onanuga said: “Essiet also met with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between pastoral and farming communities, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to inclusive engagement. Later in the day, she conducted a workshop on establishing a community peace structure for the 17 local government areas in Jos.

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

According to Mr Onanuga, Dr Essiet also reiterated President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to peace and inclusive governance. He noted that the community-based peace structure serves as a key instrument for grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability across the north central geo-political zone. ‎