In a significant move to address the persistent security challenges in Plateau State, President Bola Tinubu has deployed a senior presidential aide on a crucial peace mission to the troubled region. The development comes alongside a major security breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected arms dealer allegedly responsible for supplying weapons used in deadly attacks across the state.
Presidential Peace Initiative Gains Momentum
Dr Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North Central region, undertook a comprehensive two-day peace mission last Thursday as part of the Federal Government's renewed efforts to restore calm in Plateau. The presidential envoy engaged in separate meetings with Christian religious leaders and Fulani Miyetti Allah representatives before convening a major town hall meeting in Jos.
The forum attracted broad participation from delegates representing various local government areas, traditional rulers, women's groups, and youth leaders. Discussions focused primarily on rebuilding community-based peace structures and promoting sustainable coexistence among the diverse communities in the state.
Grassroots Engagement and Conflict Resolution
During her mission, Dr Essiet paid a courtesy visit to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, the Chairman of the Regional Church Council in Barkin Ladi, where they discussed the critical role of faith leaders in advancing peace, unity, and social development. Reverend Dachomo has long been recognized as one of the strongest voices representing the Christian community in Plateau State.
The presidential aide also met with widows affected by the conflicts, conveying President Tinubu's personal message of reconciliation and hope. In a parallel engagement, she held substantive talks with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi aimed at deepening dialogue and understanding between pastoral and farming communities.
A significant achievement emerged from these engagements with the resolution of a long-running dispute between David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Gyel District of Jos South, and some herdsmen. The conflict resolution saw Isah Yau, Chairman of MACBAN in Bassa LGA, pay N500,000 compensation on November 15 for two cows that had been seized after destroying crops. This led to the release of the animals and all parties signing a peace undertaking.
Security Breakthrough in Arms Trafficking Network
Concurrent with the peace mission, operatives of the Department of State Services executed a major operation resulting in the arrest of a suspected arms dealer identified as Musa Abubakar. The suspect was apprehended on November 12 following intelligence that traced him to an arms-making workshop in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Council.
According to official statements from the DSS, the raid uncovered alarming findings including components of improvised explosive devices, various chemicals, and equipment believed to have been used for manufacturing high-caliber weapons. The security service described the suspect as having confessed to manufacturing and distributing weapons and ammunition to armed groups involved in violent attacks across Plateau and neighboring states.
This operation represents what the DSS termed a high-target breakthrough that has successfully disrupted a key supply line feeding armed groups responsible for recurring violence in the region. The arrest comes as part of intensified efforts to dismantle violent criminal networks in Northern Nigeria, following recent operations that led to the recapture of Kuje prison escapee Abdulazeez Obadaki and the arrest of nine other suspects.
Dr Essiet reinforced President Tinubu's commitment to peace and inclusive governance throughout her engagements, emphasizing that community-based peace mechanisms remain central to ensuring long-term stability in the North Central region. She also conducted workshops focused on strengthening community peace structures across all 17 local government areas in Plateau State.
