Tinubu urges Plateau leaders to seek lasting peace, approves N2bn for victims

Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged political, traditional and community leaders in Plateau State to work together to end recurring violence, as he approved 2bn naira ($1.3m) in relief support for victims of recent attacks.

The call came during a meeting with a 32-member delegation from the state at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the president’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

Mr Tinubu asked the delegation, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to return home “with open minds” and develop practical solutions to the long-running crisis.

He urged them to review past government reports and white papers on the conflict and propose workable recommendations for implementation.

The president said issues such as indigeneship, religion, ethnicity and farmer-herder clashes had been identified as key drivers of the violence.

“No one should be recruited to provoke conflict and killings,” he said, calling on leaders to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The meeting followed Mr Tinubu’s earlier visit to Plateau State after violence in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area on 29 March.

During the session, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mohammed Dorro, announced the approval of financial support for victims of the attack.

Mr Tinubu said achieving lasting peace was essential to prevent further loss of life and pledged continued federal support for infrastructure and development in the state.

He also urged authorities to identify those responsible for inciting violence and ensure they face justice.

Governor Mutfwang welcomed the initiative, describing the meeting as a sign of renewed unity among Plateau leaders.

He said it was the first time former governors of the state had come together in such a forum, pledging their commitment to building peace across ethnic and religious divides.

Traditional ruler Da Jacob Gyang Buba called for increased security measures, including the deployment of more troops and surveillance systems, and backed calls for the creation of state police.

Youth representatives and other stakeholders also expressed support for peace efforts, while urging stronger enforcement of the rule of law to address insecurity.

The presidency said the engagement was part of ongoing efforts to find a lasting solution to the cycle of violence in Plateau State. (Source: State House press release, April 29, 2026)