Tinubu Administration Prioritizes Peace and Security in Plateau State.

Tinubu Administration Prioritizes Peace and Security in Plateau State

For years, Plateau State has wrestled with violent conflict and social unrest, but now, it’s front and center in President Bola Tinubu’s national security agenda. We’re seeing a significant, multi-pronged push from the federal government, aiming to bring lasting peace, stabilize communities, and even reshape the political scene before the 2027 general elections. Just last weekend in Jos, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, gave a clear message: ending Plateau’s long history of bloodshed isn’t just a local issue, it’s a national priority. The rally, hosted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), wasn’t just about peace, though. It also saw a remarkable number of politicians switch allegiance, defecting from rival parties to the APC. This move highlights the administration’s growing clout in the state. Akpabio didn’t mince words, delivering an emotional address to thousands at Jos Polo Field. He emphasized President Tinubu’s firm commitment, stating, “Too many lives have been lost. Too many homes destroyed. The Plateau deserves peace, and anyone who wants to govern this state must be committed to peace.” His distress over the ongoing tragedies was clear, and he promised that Tinubu’s government would deliver the peace Plateau residents have waited for. This political realignment is a big deal, with prominent figures like Senator Istifanus Gyang and Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Dr. Patrick Dakum, joining the APC. Even several sitting House of Representatives members jumped ship, suggesting a consolidation of power under the ruling party. Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, APC’s National Chairman, boldly declared the event the “final consolidation” of the party’s dominance. His message? “With this structure, with this firepower, Plateau will deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. All federal and state positions will be APC. The people have spoken: APC or nothing.” This isn’t just politics as usual, is it? It’s a strategic effort to link peace initiatives with political stability and effective governance, hoping to win hearts and minds, and ultimately, votes.

Community Engagement and Peacebuilding Initiatives

Beyond the political rallies, President Tinubu’s administration is taking direct action on the ground to tackle security issues. They’ve sent Dr. Abiodun Essiet, a senior special assistant for community engagement in the North-central Zone, to Plateau as a special envoy. His mission? To spearhead peacebuilding and foster dialogue between various communities. Over two intense days, Dr. Essiet met with a diverse group: Christian clerics, Fulani Miyetti Allah leaders, traditional rulers, women’s groups, and youth from across different local government areas right there in Jos. His efforts culminated in a crucial town hall meeting, focused on establishing local, community-based peace structures across all 17 of Plateau’s local governments. He really stressed the importance of grassroots leadership, working tirelessly to bridge the divides that often spark conflict between pastoral and farming communities. A notable highlight was his engagement with the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah, and the Youth Council of Bassa, aiming to strengthen their reconciliation mechanisms. We’ve even seen an early win here: a peaceful resolution of a dispute between a farmer, David Toma, and local herdsmen over damaged crops and livestock compensation. They settled on a deal and signed a pact to keep the peace. These efforts reflect a proactive strategy for stabilizing volatile regions, proving that dialogue can indeed yield tangible results on the path to lasting harmony.

Intensified Security Operations and Future Outlook

Alongside these diplomatic and political maneuvers, the federal government isn’t letting up on security. They’re stepping up operations to curb arms smuggling and criminal violence across the region. The Department of State Services (DSS) recently nabbed Musa Abubakar, a suspected arms dealer thought to be supplying weapons to terrorists in Plateau and neighboring states. His arrest followed intelligence-led raids on his workshop in Bassa, where authorities seized improvised explosive devices and materials used to make weapons. This operation builds on other successes, like the recent capture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, who’d escaped Kuje Prison and was linked to brutal attacks on Owo and the Deeper Life Bible Church. These arrests suggest our federal security apparatus is becoming much more effective at disrupting the terror networks and trafficking routes that fuel insurgency and communal violence. Sources close to the operations confirm several high-profile suspects connected to past attacks are now detained, some already facing serious charges in court. While Plateau State grapples with these complex security challenges, the national conversation around insecurity remains heated. Many advocates and analysts are calling for more robust, comprehensive strategies, with some even pushing for a declaration of a state of emergency on Nigeria’s security crisis. Government officials acknowledge that stabilizing troubled areas like Plateau is absolutely vital to reversing the widespread fear and displacement that have scarred communities for far too long. Looking ahead, this two-pronged approach by the Tinubu administration combining political consolidation, active community engagement, and decisive security crackdowns could really set a new course for Plateau State. If it works, this could provide a crucial blueprint for addressing similar conflicts across Nigeria’s North-central and Northern regions, where disputes over ethnicity, religion, and land frequently ignite violence. But let’s be real, sustaining this peace will demand ongoing commitment to inclusive dialogue, significant investment in socio-economic development, and consistently efficient security responses. The federal government’s willingness to place Plateau at the heart of its national security priorities sends a powerful message: we can’t afford any more neglect or inaction if we want to preserve Nigeria’s unity and prosperity.

Sources: