Tinubu sends emissary to engage Christian-Fulani leaders as Plateau peace talks intensify

President Bola Tinubu has dispatched his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr Abiodun Essiet, to Plateau State in a renewed push to calm tensions and rebuild trust between Christian and Fulani communities following months of insecurity in the region.

In a statement on Sunday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Essiet has spent the last two days in the state holding a series of strategic meetings with Christian clerics, Fulani Miyetti Allah leaders and community groups, culminating in a town hall session in Jos.

Essiet’s engagements drew delegates from all 17 local government areas, including traditional rulers, women’s groups and youth leaders, who discussed ways of strengthening community based peace structures and promoting coexistence among Plateau’s diverse ethnic and religious blocs.

During a visit to Rev Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council in Barkin Ladi, discussions centred on the role of faith-based leadership in healing fractured communities and supporting government efforts to restore peace. Essiet also met widows in the community, conveying President Tinubu’s message of reconciliation and national unity.

The envoy later held talks with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi, emphasising dialogue as a tool for easing tensions between pastoral and farming communities. She reiterated that the Federal Government remains committed to inclusive engagement that recognises the grievances of all sides.

According to the statement, Essiet convened a workshop aimed at establishing functional peace structures across the 17 LGAs, followed by a closed door meeting with the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah representatives, and the Bassa Youth Council, where participants reviewed the operations of a 17 member peace committee that has been working to improve dialogue and reconciliation in the area.

Essiet stressed that President Tinubu views peacebuilding in Plateau as critical to stability in the wider North Central region and believes the Community Based Peace Structure will play a long term role in fostering grassroots unity and preventing recurring violence.