Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace through inclusive dialogue, institutional reforms, and stronger collaboration with the Federal Government following the submission of a strategic report by a high-powered committee set up after the state’s engagement with President Bola Tinubu.
Receiving the report at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, on Monday, Mutfwang described it as a practical roadmap that will shape future dialogue and policy interventions aimed at tackling Plateau’s persistent security and socio-political challenges.
The committee, chaired by former Plateau State Governor, Senator Joshua Dariye, was constituted to consolidate issues raised during the Plateau delegation’s visit to President Tinubu, identify priority areas requiring federal intervention, and recommend sustainable measures to promote peace, security, social cohesion, and development.
Governor Mutfwang said President Tinubu demonstrated genuine concern over the recurring violence in Plateau and directed the state government to intensify efforts toward achieving 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,” the governor said.
He explained that the committee was established to provide clarity after what he described as widespread misrepresentation of the purpose of the presidential engagement.
“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.
Mutfwang commended traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders, and community representatives for sustaining dialogue across ethnic and religious divides, describing their commitment as vital to preserving Plateau’s unity.
To ensure broader participation, the governor announced that the report would be presented before a wider assembly of Plateau stakeholders.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that achieving sustainable peace would require continuous engagement and collective commitment.
Earlier, committee chairman Senator Joshua Dariye said the assignment went beyond an administrative exercise, focusing on protecting lives, securing communities, and laying the foundation for lasting peace.
He disclosed that the committee submitted a comprehensive two-volume report containing detailed analyses, implementation frameworks, and practical recommendations for government action.
According to Dariye, the committee found that Plateau’s security challenges are deeply rooted, complex, and cannot be attributed to a single cause.
He noted that while numerous reports, peace initiatives, and policy documents already exist, their impact has been weakened by poor implementation, weak institutions, inconsistent follow-up, leadership discontinuity, and inadequate accountability.
Among its recommendations, the committee proposed a comprehensive recovery framework that goes beyond military operations to include the protection of vulnerable communities, support for internally displaced persons, reconstruction of affected communities, livelihood restoration, trauma healing, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, interfaith collaboration, traditional conflict resolution, and education.
Dariye also urged the state government to take control of its narrative by promoting Plateau’s strengths rather than allowing the state to be defined by conflict.
“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 on peace, resilience, justice, hospitality, investment, tourism, and opportunity,” he said.
The report marks a significant step in the Mutfwang administration’s peace agenda, underscoring its preference for evidence-based policymaking, inclusive consultations, and institutional reforms as it seeks to position Plateau as a secure destination for investment, economic recovery, and sustainable development.
