Plateau State Peace Becomes National Security Priority Amid Political Shift.

November 23, 2025
obehiaye
Nigeria, Trending News, West Africa
0

Plateau State Peace Becomes National Security Priority Amid Political Shift

President Bola Tinubu’s administration isn’t just talking about peace in Plateau State; they’re making it a central national security priority, a robust move to finally quell years of violence and communal strife. At a recent rally in Jos Polo Field, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, representing President Tinubu, laid out this assertive stance. He directly addressed thousands of supporters gathered to witness significant political defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpabio’s words resonated deeply, pledging an unwavering commitment to end the relentless cycle of violence that has long marred Plateau communities. Expressing genuine anguish over the suffering, he declared, “Too many lives have been lost, too many homes destroyed. The Plateau deserves peace.” This poignant statement, met with applause, clearly signals the government’s resolve to make Plateau’s stabilization an overriding priority. This commitment isn’t happening in isolation. We’re seeing a historic political realignment in Plateau, with influential opposition figures, including former governorship candidates like Dr. Patrick Dakum and Senator Istifanus Gyang, defecting to the APC. This influx suggests the APC’s emergence as the dominant political force, a development attributed to the strategic leadership of APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and the President’s broad support. Akpabio made it clear: this consolidation of power is all about a shared commitment to stability, asserting, “When you are escorted by a lion like President Tinubu, you have nothing to fear.” It’s a powerful message, highlighting Tinubu’s role in shaping the state’s political future and security outlook as the 2027 general elections approach. This peace initiative, intertwined with political shifts, hopes to pave the way for a more secure future.

Community Engagement and Strong Security Measures Take Hold

Beyond political maneuvering, the administration’s strategy is a two-pronged approach: fostering dialogue and implementing aggressive security crackdowns. Federally, they’ve deployed Dr. Abiodun Essiet, a senior special assistant on community engagement, as an emissary to Plateau State. Essiet’s vital mission? To facilitate dialogue and intercommunal harmony, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders: Christian clerics, traditional rulers, Fulani Miyetti Allah leaders, youth, and women representatives from all 17 local government areas. These groups are actively participating in town hall meetings and workshops in Jos, focusing on building community-based peace structures. Their goal is clear: foster dialogue, reconciliation, and coexistence among Plateau’s many ethnic groups, aiming for durable, grassroots peace. Are these efforts working? We’re already seeing early results. A notable success story involves David Toma, a farm owner in Jos South, and local herdsmen. Through mediation, they reached a compensation agreement, building trust and potentially offering a blueprint for resolving similar conflicts across the state. In parallel, Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has ramped up security operations. They’re actively disrupting arms supply networks that fuel terror in Plateau and neighboring states. Recent key arrests include Musa Abubakar, an alleged arms dealer caught manufacturing and distributing high-caliber weapons and explosives to militant groups. His capture followed extensive intelligence-led raids, signaling the government’s determination to dismantle logistical support for violent actors. These actions build on previous successes, like the recapture of high-profile fugitives such as Abdulazeez Obadaki, alias Bomboy, a Kuje Prison escapee and a suspected mastermind behind deadly attacks on religious institutions. The DSS isn’t just reacting; their precision in rooting out these threats underscores the administration’s commitment to firmly confront terror while actively promoting peace.

A National Model for Stability?

While some opposition voices still express concerns over broader national security issues, the administration’s multifaceted approach in Plateau, combining political consolidation, active community engagement, and intense security operations, paints a promising picture. The active involvement of faith leaders and representatives from various ethnic groups in peace dialogues isn’t just symbolic; it signals a crucial understanding. True, sustainable stability in Plateau relies just as much on social cohesion and mutual understanding as it does on tactical security measures. Looking ahead, the success of these comprehensive initiatives in Plateau could very well serve as a national model for managing Nigeria’s increasingly complex security challenges, especially in our many ethnically diverse and conflict-prone regions. This combination of inclusive, community-driven peace committees, backed by strong political will at the highest levels, and proactive security responses, creates a robust framework. It offers real potential to restore social harmony, protect lives, and safeguard our democratic processes. As Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections, the emphasis on peace and political realignment here carries implications far beyond Plateau State’s borders. This administration’s strategy just might redefine governance and security paradigms across the entire country. Challenges undoubtedly persist, but early signs from Plateau offer cautious optimism. A return to lasting peace and political stability is achievable, provided we maintain persistent commitment and truly inclusive governance.

Sources: