Plateau State – The Plateau State Peace Building Agency, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Mercy Corps, successfully convened a three-day multi-stakeholder engagement aimed at addressing conflict resolution in Plateau State. The event, which kicked off today at the Crest Hotel Conference Hall in the state capital, Jos, brought together an array of participants including religious leaders, traditional leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders hailing from communities spanning six Local Government Areas.
The focus of the gathering was to tackle the recent surge in conflicts, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area, which has also impacted neighboring areas such as Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas. Additionally, the resurgence of violence in Riyom Local Government and its ripple effects on Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas were key concerns addressed during the summit.
Dr. Maji Peters, the Country Director of Equal Access International, expressed the purpose of the event as an opportunity to facilitate constructive dialogue among conflicting parties. He emphasized the importance of establishing a platform for open and meaningful engagement to chart a path towards resolution.
“Creating this unique platform for conversation allows strategic partners like Equal Access International, Mercy Corps, Tear Fund, Search for Common Ground, Interfaith Mediation Center, and Plateau Peace Building Agency to listen to the voices of diverse communities, discuss sensitive issues, and collaboratively explore alternative solutions,” Dr. Peters stated.
Gayi Tomothy Gayi, the Director of Administration and Acting Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, expressed his concerns about the resurgence of violence within certain regions of the state. He highlighted the summit’s role in aiding peace advocates to comprehend the root causes of conflicts and adapt to evolving dynamics.
“This engagement will not only enhance the understanding of peace actors on the causes of conflict but also guide them in devising targeted intervention strategies and systematic approaches to address these pressing issues,” Gayi affirmed.
Mr. Godwin Okoko, the Conflict Technical Advisor for Mercy Corps’ Community Initiative to Promote Peace, stressed the importance of de-escalating tensions following recent outbreaks of violence in Plateau State. He underscored the commitment of key stakeholders to collaborate with communities in order to address the underlying causes of conflict and explore innovative approaches to handling sensitive issues.
“Crucially, this summit provides a platform for key actors from conflict-ridden areas to engage in dialogue, fostering cooperative methods to address shared concerns,” Mr. Okoko remarked.
Acting Chief of Party for Peace Action For Rapid Transformative Nigerian Early Response, Mr. Chrisantus Lapang, highlighted the significance of engaging with local communities to comprehend the factors fueling conflicts. He outlined the agenda for the event, involving consultations with community leaders on the first day, security personnel on the second day, and Civil Society Organizations on subsequent days to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and strategize potential collaborations.
The multi-stakeholder engagement on conflict resolution signals a robust effort to promote lasting peace and stability in Plateau State, as key actors come together to devise strategies and solutions that will contribute to the peaceful coexistence of communities across Plateau State.
