Tinubu Administration Strengthens Peace and Security in Plateau State.

Tinubu Administration Strengthens Peace and Security in Plateau State

A Renewed Focus on Peace for Plateau

President Bola Tinubu’s administration isn’t just talking about peace in Plateau State, it’s making it a top priority, placing conflict resolution right at the center of Nigeria’s national security agenda. This commitment became clear over the weekend at a major political rally in Jos, the state capital. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, representing President Tinubu, told thousands of residents that the government won’t waver in its resolve to end years of violent crises and unrest that have plagued the region. Addressing a massive crowd at the Jos Polo Field, Akpabio conveyed the President’s deep distress over the extensive loss of lives, widespread displacement, and ongoing social fractures suffered by Plateau communities. Isn’t it time for a lasting solution? He emphasized that peace in Plateau is now a high-level government focus, signaling a significant shift in Nigeria’s national security strategy. “Too many lives have been lost. Too many homes destroyed. The Plateau deserves peace, and anyone aspiring to govern this state must be committed to peace. President Tinubu’s determination to end the killings is unwavering,” Akpabio declared, his words echoing the administration’s empathetic yet firm stance. This isn’t just political talk; the government’s serious about national security.

Community Engagement and Counter-Terrorism: A Dual Approach

Beyond the speeches, the Tinubu administration has taken concrete steps. Dr. Abiodun Essiet, a senior special assistant on community engagement for the North-central zone, is acting as an emissary, leading efforts for peacebuilding and intercommunal harmony in Plateau. Dr. Essiet’s work involves extensive consultations with various community leaders, including Christian clerics, pastoral Fulani representatives of Miyetti Allah, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders across local government areas. These discussions culminated in a well-attended town hall meeting in Jos, all aimed at strengthening grassroots peace structures vital for sustainable coexistence. Dr. Essiet even facilitated a workshop to create a community peace framework covering all 17 local government areas, marking a strategic move towards locally-driven conflict resolution. We’re already seeing results: a significant property dispute between a local farmer and herdsmen was resolved with a compensation agreement and a mutual commitment to peace. It’s a symbolic, but crucial, step in rebuilding trust among Plateau communities. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Department of State Services, DSS, isn’t letting up on terror networks. Recent intelligence operations led to the arrest of Musa Abubakar, a notorious arms manufacturer and distributor linked to violent attacks and terrorist cells. This follows the capture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, a fugitive involved in previous church attacks. These arrests are critical in stopping the flow of illegal weapons fueling conflict in the region, a problem seen in other parts of the country where rising insecurity continues to threaten stability.

Political Realignment and A Hopeful Future

The APC rally in Jos also highlighted a major political shift in Plateau, with influential politicians defecting from opposition parties. Senator Istifanus Gyang, former campaign director Latep Dabang, and former governorship candidates like Dr. Patrick Dakum and Alfred Dabwam all pledged their allegiance to the APC. Three sitting members of the House of Representatives also made the switch, alongside numerous local legislators and grassroots influencers. Senate President Akpabio hailed this as clear evidence of APC’s growing influence under Party National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who he says has consolidated the party’s power across Plateau. He confidently predicted a decisive victory for the party in the upcoming 2027 general elections, attributing it to President Tinubu’s dynamic leadership. Professor Yilwatda echoed these sentiments, calling the influx of new members the “final consolidation” of APC’s control in Plateau, asserting that the party will secure all federal and state elective positions in 2027. He encouraged newcomers to see the APC as a platform for a renewed political era focused on unity and progress. With dignitaries from neighboring states and key federal legislators also present, the message was clear: united efforts are crucial for peace and development. These political maneuvers, combined with focused security operations and grassroots peace initiatives, represent a comprehensive strategy by the Tinubu administration to end Plateau’s long-standing cycle of violence. While Nigeria still faces persistent security challenges in the Northeast and parts of the North-central region, this integrated approach, emphasizing high-level political commitment, community involvement, and proactive counterterrorism, offers a hopeful path for Plateau State. Could this success provide a blueprint for peacebuilding and security stabilization in other conflict-affected areas across the nation?

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