In a significant move towards lasting peace, a prominent northern Islamic scholar has held a crucial meeting with Christian leaders in Plateau State. The gathering aimed to find solutions to the prolonged religious conflicts that have plagued the region.
Religious Leaders Forge Path to Peace
Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, Chairman of the Qur’anic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative (QBHI), met with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau. The discussion centered on ending years of violent clashes and fostering harmony between Muslim and Christian communities.
Sheikh Masussuka painted a grim picture of the consequences of the unrest. He detailed the devastating loss of lives among residents and travelers, widespread destruction of property, and the severe disruption of the state's economic activities.
"Plateau State, once celebrated as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism,’ has witnessed painful religious and ethnic crises over the years," he stated. He listed affected areas including Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Wase, Bassa, and Shendam. The cleric attributed the clashes to intolerance, misinformation, political manipulation, and deep-seated socio-economic deprivation.
A Call for Government Action and Unity
Masussuka emphasized that religious leaders are uniquely positioned to rebuild broken bridges through dialogue, mediation, and compassionate preaching. He issued a direct appeal to the government, urging it to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness.
His recommendations included:
- Prioritizing industrial restoration to revive the local economy.
- Creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
- Investing heavily in skill acquisition and vocational training programs.
"We are here today not as Muslims or Christians, but as Nigerians bound by one destiny," Masussuka declared. "Our peaceful coexistence is not an option but a divine arrangement and national necessity."
He further called for a strengthened security architecture and support for community-based peacebuilding initiatives to reduce conflicts and prevent youth radicalization.
CAN Leaders Respond, Security Forces Act
In their response, the CAN leaders affirmed that both Islam and Christianity preach tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human dignity. They provided scriptural references to support this stance.
The Christian leaders commended Sheikh Masussuka for the visit, describing it as both timely and crucial for the peace process in Plateau State.
In a related development, security forces have continued operations against criminal elements fueling violence. On December 3, 2025, troops from the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), under Operation Peace Shield, raided a suspected gunrunner's hideout.
The operation, based on credible intelligence, took place in Ranbiri Village, Kafi Abu, within the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. According to a statement by the JTF OPEP Media Information Officer, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the suspect fled before troops arrived.
However, a thorough search yielded significant recoveries:
- One AK-47 rifle
- One AK-47 magazine
- Communication equipment
All items are now in safe custody, and efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspect. The statement reaffirmed that troops remain highly motivated to protect civilians and dismantle the supply chains of criminals in the region.
