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The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab, has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to send a peace emissary to Plateau State amid ongoing violence in the region and other parts of the country.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, Rev. Hayab said, “It is a commendable move. The President is realising that he has been given incorrect information, and this approach allows him to obtain the correct facts. The President cannot be everywhere, but showing genuine concern for those affected brings healing. Listening to people directly helps understand their feelings. Our prayer is that the emissaries report truthfully and transparently on the situation.”
He added that ending violence in Plateau, Zamfara, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and other affected areas is crucial for development to thrive.
FG Should Acknowledge Christian Genocide – Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, reacting to Tinubu’s peace mission, said he expects discussions with the federal delegation on Tuesday to prompt official recognition of targeted attacks on Christians in Plateau.
“If the federal government admits past mistakes, even God Almighty will help prevent further threats. It is evident that Christians are being killed in their communities. The situation should not be generalised or downplayed,” he stated.
Dachomo highlighted recent attacks on farms in his community, noting significant losses for farmers, and described the ongoing violence as “miserable” and merciless.
Miyetti Allah Leaders Welcome Dialogue
Yusuf Babayo, chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), commended President Tinubu’s initiative and welcomed the female head of the federal delegation. He affirmed MACBAN’s willingness to cooperate for sustainable peace and urged regular dialogue between communities to prevent further escalation.
Similarly, MACBAN President Baba Othman-Ngelzarma described the President’s intervention as “critical” to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. He emphasised that resolving the Plateau crises requires inclusive consultations with all stakeholders and an understanding of complex issues, including indigenes-settlers conflicts, militia-pastoralist clashes, and land disputes.
“The people themselves must define their path to peace. The emissary’s role is to facilitate dialogue, not dictate solutions,” Othman-Ngelzarma said. He also criticised some religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and media narratives for exacerbating tensions, and called on the state government to take decisive action.
Tinubu Dispatches Emissary for Peace Talks
In a bid to restore peace and intercommunal harmony, President Tinubu sent Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the North Central Zone, to Plateau State last Thursday. Over two days, Dr. Essiet met Christian clerics, Miyetti Allah leaders, and other community stakeholders, culminating in a town hall meeting in Jos.
According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, delegates from local government areas, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders discussed ways to strengthen community-based peace structures and promote coexistence among diverse communities.
Dr. Essiet also visited Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo and widows in Barkin Ladi, delivering President Tinubu’s message of ethnic reconciliation. She engaged Fulani leaders to foster dialogue between pastoral and farming communities and conducted a workshop on establishing a 17-member Community Peace Structure for the state’s local government areas.
A notable outcome of the peace mission was the resolution of a conflict between David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Gyel, Jos South, and herdsmen. Following the payment of N500,000 compensation by the MACBAN chairman of Bassa LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, Toma released two seized cows, with all parties signing an undertaking to uphold peace.
Dr. Essiet reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance, noting that community-based peace structures will serve as vital instruments for dialogue, reconciliation, and long-term stability across North Central Nigeria.
