COMMISERATES WITH VICTIMS AND URGES COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO EMBRACE DIALOGUE
The presidential community engagement team North Central arrived in Plateau State yesterday on a community engagement mission: to attend a stakeholders’ engagement to de-escalate tension and prevent attacks in Plateau State organized by the 3 division Nigeria Army ( Operation Safe Haven), document feedback on the recent attacks, and visit affected communities.
Day One was dedicated to strategic meetings with heads of security and paramilitary agencies. I conveyed community feedback regarding the recent attacks and was briefed on efforts to ensure peace and prevent reprisal attacks. The agencies assured me of their commitment and outlined several proactive strategies being deployed to restore calm.
Day Two culminated in a multi-stakeholder engagement convened by Operation SAFE HAVEN at its headquarters in Jos. The session brought together representatives of the Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, LGA Chairmen, security agencies, youth and women groups, CAN, Miyetti Allah, and other key actors. In his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Oyinlola stressed the importance of dialogue and communal living, assuring that perpetrators of the recent attacks will be brought to justice.
In my address, I expressed deep sympathy to all victims of these painful incidents and called for honest, open dialogue, free from bias or blame. I assured stakeholders that all issues raised will be documented and reported directly to Mr. President, whose commitment to securing every Nigerian life and property is unwavering. I also urged the Plateau State Government to revisit recommendations from previous peace and reconciliation committees, especially the White Paper reports dating back to 2001.
Voices from Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bassa LGAs laid bare the complex and longstanding nature of the conflict—rooted in historical grievances, land disputes, identity politics, and a deep erosion of trust. Both farming and herding communities acknowledged the painful cycle of attack and reprisal, underscoring the need for sincere dialogue and collaborative solutions.
I also visited Kwall Community in Bassa LGA, where survivors recounted a devastating midnight attack that claimed 52 lives, razed homes, and destroyed livelihoods. Additionally, I also visited herder communities who recently lost a young member after an attack, and cattles in an alleged poisoning incident.
Sharing the stories is painful but necessary. They remind us that peace is not just a goal, but a shared responsibility. We must all confront uncomfortable truths with courage, listen with empathy, and act with fairness. Only then can we break the cycle and build lasting harmony in Plateau and beyond.
It was an emotional day for me today. May the soul of the departed ones rest in peace.