President Bola Tinubu has urged political, traditional, and community leaders in Plateau State to adopt a concrete action plan to end recurring violence, as the Federal Government approved a N2 billion relief package for victims of recent attacks. During a three-hour interactive session with a 32-member Plateau delegation at the State House in Abuja, the President called on stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and agree on practical, implementable steps to secure lasting peace.
Background of the Meeting
The meeting followed Tinubu's earlier commitment to engage Plateau leaders after the March 29 killings in Angwa Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area. The President directed the delegation, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to revisit previous government white papers on the crises and harmonize workable recommendations for immediate implementation.
Key Directives from the President
Tinubu emphasized that leaders must take responsibility for curbing violence, including identifying those who incite conflict. He stressed that breaking the cycle of violence requires justice, fairness, and inclusion, urging leaders to ensure that all residents, regardless of ethnicity or religion, have a sense of belonging. The President also urged federal intervention to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes ahead of the farming season.
“No protocols, no hindrances, we are here to speak our minds and find a permanent solution,” Tinubu said, noting, “Let us first accept one resolution: tolerance for every inhabitant.” He maintained that Plateau's reputation as a peaceful and accommodating state must be restored through collective leadership and decisive action.
Governor Mutfwang's Response
Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the meeting as historic, noting that it brought together all former governors of the state in a unified push for peace. He commended the President for his commitment to addressing the crisis and pledged to broaden consultations, harmonize stakeholder positions, and return with concrete, actionable proposals.
Additional Developments
In a related development, residents of Yelwata community in Benue State have called for urgent government protection and humanitarian support following a deadly attack last year. Germany's Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Thomas Rachel, reaffirmed Germany's commitment to helping Nigeria tackle insecurity and promote peaceful coexistence. Rachel disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja after a fact-finding visit to affected communities, including internally displaced persons camps.
Rachel described his visit to Yelwata as deeply emotional, saying survivors of the June 2025 massacre, where over 200 Christians were killed, expressed fears about their safety and future. He noted that insecurity remains a major concern across the country, stressing that both Christians and Muslims are victims of extremist violence.
