Residents of Mangun, Chakfem, and Ampang West communities in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State have reiterated their commitment to sustaining peace and fostering dialogue with various groups, despite rising security challenges in the region.
This resolution emerged during a one-day stakeholder engagement organized by the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA) at Mangun District. The event aimed to explore viable solutions to persistent threats undermining the stability of the affected communities.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of PSPBA, Dr. Julie Sanda, represented by the Director of Administration, Elkannah Izam, emphasized the urgency of grassroots engagement. She noted that recent violent incidents, including the tragic killing of travelers in the area, necessitated intensified peacebuilding efforts at the community level. Sanda condemned the attacks, labeling them unjustifiable, and called on youth and local leaders to collaborate with security agencies to protect their communities.
She also commended traditional rulers from Mangun, Chakfem, and Ampang West for their resilience in upholding peace amid unprovoked attacks that have claimed lives and destroyed property. Sanda revealed that the engagement was a direct outcome of deliberations at the monthly Expanded Community Architecture Forum (CPAF) for Mangu.
Echoing her sentiments, the Mishkagham Mangun, Da Job Dapal, raised concerns over the porous borders around Chakfem and the expansive forest along the Plateau–Nasarawa border, which have become hideouts for criminals. He lamented that these elements routinely launch attacks from these locations, instilling fear among residents. However, he reaffirmed that Mangun District remains a peaceful and ethnically diverse community committed to coexistence.
District Head of Chakfem, Da Jwangken Luther, welcomed the initiative and urged for the creation of a localized peace structure. He also advocated for the inclusion of the Fulani community in peace dialogues to heal fractured relationships. His counterpart from Ampang West endorsed the recommendation.
The Chief Imam of Mangun District, Abdullahi, refuted rumors that no Muslims reside in the area, stressing that such falsehoods are divisive. Similarly, Mrs. Lucy Inusa, Woman Leader of Ampang West, affirmed that Christians, Muslims, and other ethnic groups continue to live harmoniously.
It will be recalled that wedding guests traveling from Kaduna to Qua’an Pan LGA were recently killed near Mangun, heightening tensions in the region.
