Dariye's Peace Report for Plateau Advocates Community Safety, Displaced Persons Aid

Former Plateau State Governor, Joshua Dariye, on Monday, presented a comprehensive two-volume report on peace and security to the current Governor, Caleb Mutfwang. The document outlines key recommendations focused on safeguarding vulnerable communities, facilitating the return and recovery of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and implementing institutional reforms designed to break the recurring cycle of violence within the state.

This submission comes amidst a heightened period of fatal assaults on rural communities across Plateau State during the first half of 2026. These attacks resulted in numerous fatalities, thousands of displaced residents, and extensive destruction of agricultural lands. The escalating crisis prompted Governor Mutfwang to lead a high-level delegation from Plateau to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last April, seeking urgent federal intervention.

Following that meeting, President Tinubu instructed the state government to "reignite and reinvigorate the search for lasting peace." This directive led to the formation of a strategic committee, chaired by Dariye. The committee's mandate included harmonizing concerns raised during the delegation's visit to President Tinubu, developing a detailed engagement strategy with the Presidency, pinpointing critical areas requiring federal support, and proposing sustainable measures to foster peace, security, social cohesion, and development.

While presenting the report at the Rayfield Government House in Jos on Monday, Dariye emphasized that the committee's work transcended mere administrative tasks. He stated it directly concerned "the protection of lives, the safety of communities, and the pursuit of enduring peace across the state." According to Dariye, the committee produced "a comprehensive two-volume report containing detailed analyses, key findings, implementation frameworks, and practical recommendations for government action."

He further explained that "The central message of this report is that the peace and security challenges facing Plateau State are multidimensional, historical, layered, and dynamic. Consequently, the increasing insecurity in the state cannot be attributed to a single factor." The committee observed that Plateau State already possesses "numerous reports, policy documents, gazettes, peace initiatives, and recommendations." However, their effective implementation has been hindered by "inadequate institutional support, inconsistent follow-up, personnel discontinuity, and insufficient accountability."

Among its crucial recommendations, the report advocates for "a comprehensive stabilisation and recovery framework that extends beyond military responses to include the protection of vulnerable communities, support for internally displaced persons, reconstruction of affected settlements, livelihood restoration, trauma healing, youth empowerment, women’s participation, interfaith collaboration, traditional conflict mediation, and education." It also stressed that "Plateau State must be deliberate in telling its own story, correcting distorted narratives, showcasing government efforts, and transforming its image from one defined by conflict and crisis to one anchored in peace, resilience, justice, hospitality, investment, tourism, and opportunity."

Governor Mutfwang hailed the document as a strategic blueprint that will guide informed discussions and practical interventions to tackle the complex security and socio-political issues confronting Plateau State. He reiterated his administration's dedication to establishing lasting peace through inclusive dialogue, institutional reforms, and strengthened collaboration with the Federal Government.

Governor Mutfwang revealed that President Tinubu exhibited genuine concern for Plateau State during the delegation's visit, noting that the President specifically directed the state to intensify efforts towards restoring enduring peace. "When we visited Mr President, it was evident that he has a genuine concern for Plateau State. That is why he gave us clear marching orders to reignite and reinvigorate the search for lasting peace on the Plateau," he quoted.

Mutfwang clarified that the committee's establishment was necessitated by misinterpretations in some circles regarding the purpose of the presidential engagement. Its aim was to provide factual clarity and foster a shared understanding of the issues affecting the state. "The clarity provided by this committee will serve as a solid foundation for the critical conversations we must continue to have as a people," he added.

The governor praised traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, and community stakeholders across various ethnic and religious divides for sustaining dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect rather than confrontation. He described their collective commitment as essential for preserving Plateau’s social fabric. Mutfwang also announced plans to present the report to a broader assembly of Plateau stakeholders to ensure wider participation and ownership of the peace-building process.

He concluded, "Those who accompanied us to the Presidential Villa do not represent the entirety of Plateau. Many who were unable to make the trip also have valuable perspectives that deserve to be heard. We must therefore create an enabling environment where every interest group has a voice at the discussion table. We will discover that these issues are not new. We must sustain the conversation and continue working together to develop better and more enduring solutions for the future."