Bola Tinubu Takes a Firm Stance Against Violence in Plateau State
President Bola Tinubu has committed to utilizing the full resources of the Federal Government to address the ongoing violence in Plateau State. He cautions that individuals found accountable for instigating these conflicts will face decisive repercussions.
High-Level Meeting Addresses Security Concerns
This declaration came during a meeting on Tuesday night at the Presidential Villa, which involved Plateau State officials, including Governor Caleb Muthofan and all living former state governors. The meeting lasted several hours and concluded around 8 p.m.
Federal Government’s Response to Violence
The President indicated that the federal government would intervene if individuals responsible for inciting or financing the violence were identified, as reported by the state Capitol Press Office on Wednesday.
Call for Public Cooperation
Tinubu urged attendees to report any known individuals who are perpetuating violence, stating, “If you identify anyone responsible for these crimes, please inform us. We will utilize government mechanisms to address them.” He emphasized the importance of providing security agencies with reliable information to disrupt the cycle of violence.
Endorsement of the Peace Commission
Moreover, Tinubu endorsed the newly formed Peace Commission, comprising former governors of Plateau State. He tasked this body with reviewing existing white papers on past conflicts and developing actionable recommendations for implementation.
Reorganization of Committees for Effective Peacebuilding
The President advised that inactive or ineffective committees should be either reorganized or dissolved, proposing that the new structure serve as a central framework for peace endeavors in the state. He also reiterated the urgent need for establishing a state police force as a crucial solution to Plateau’s security issues.
Encouraging Inclusivity in Governance
Tinubu called for the increased inclusion of non-indigenes in Plateau State’s governance, viewing this as a critical step towards rebuilding trust and fostering peace. He affirmed the federal government’s readiness to support initiatives that promote public awareness against discrimination and violence.
Historic Gathering of Plateau State Leaders
In his remarks, Governor Muthofan heralded the meeting as a historic occasion, marking the first time that all living former governors of Plateau State convened in a single forum. He expressed optimism that this unprecedented collaboration would pave the way for addressing politicized issues and promote unity among the state’s leaders.
This meeting follows previous engagements between Tinubu and Plateau officials, including a visit to Jos after the Palm Sunday attacks in Angwang Rukuba, where many lives were lost. Plateau State has long been plagued by cycles of ethnic-religious and peasant-herdsman conflicts, which have led to repeated violence in several local government areas like Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and Bassa.
