Jos, Plateau State — The Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PSPBA) convened a strategic community security dialogue under the theme: “Strengthening Community Security Ahead of the Festive Season: Enhancing Trust, Coordination, and Early Response in Plateau State Northern Zone.” The initiative aimed to foster collaboration, proactive security measures, and practical, community-driven solutions to rising insecurity.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of PSPBA, Mr. Kenneth Dakop welcomed participants from Bassa and Riyom, emphasizing the timeliness of the dialogue amid escalating security challenges. He noted that the meeting, supported by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), provided a platform for stakeholders to develop sustainable local security solutions and urged active, solution-oriented engagement.
Commander David Paul Mwahoss of the Nigeria Forest Security Services applauded the collaboration among security agencies, stressing the festive season as a period requiring collective responsibility. He encouraged citizens to share information, report suspicious activities, and support security efforts to enhance safety across Plateau State.
Representing the NRC, Mrs. Nandi Dakle highlighted the partnership’s importance in addressing disruptions caused by insecurity, including school closures and community displacement. She reaffirmed NRC’s commitment to working closely with affected communities, particularly in Bassa, Riyom, and other local government areas, to strengthen humanitarian response and resilience.
Hope Chuwang of PSPBA explained that the dialogue promotes proactive security through the Peace Architecture Approach, aimed at improving early warning and response mechanisms. She stressed the urgency of safety measures for displaced populations, noting over 36,000 people affected by insecurity in the region.
The program included panel discussions and breakout sessions, which examined likely festive season triggers, emerging security threats, and community coping mechanisms. Insights from Bassa and Riyom participants led to the development of actionable mitigation and preparedness measures.
Hon. Noro Davou, councillor for Ta-Hoss Ward in Riyom, commended PSPBA for organizing the interfaith and intertribal initiative, urging communities to apply lessons on early warning systems and information sharing to promote lasting peace.
The dialogue concluded with a reaffirmation of collaboration between government agencies, security forces, humanitarian partners, and local communities, demonstrating a shared commitment to safer and more resilient communities across Plateau State’s Northern Zone.
