By Johnson Adebowale
In a bid to address the ongoing violence and conflict in Plateau State, News Central recently organized a town hall series in Jos, the state capital. This significant event brought together community leaders, residents, representatives of various communities and security agencies to discuss and propose solutions to the persistent strife in the region.
For over two decades, Plateau State has been mired in conflict, claiming thousands of lives across several local government areas, including Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Wase and Barkin Ladi. The crisis has escalated in the past decade, leaving residents in a constant state of fear and emergency. The town hall series provided a platform for participants to share their experiences, concerns and ideas for addressing the root causes of violence and conflict in the state.
The discussions were moderated by Bernard Akede, a seasoned journalist and conflict reportage expert from News Central. Notable remarks from the town hall revealed the deep-seated strife across communities and the extensive division experienced in Plateau.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, represented by the Commissioner of Information, Musa Ashoms, commended News Central for its bold coverage of the state’s events. He noted the government’s efforts in promoting peace, stating: “As a government, we have empowered a peace-building agency to dialogue, interface, interact and heal wounds among communities on the Plateau who have been injured.
“It is a sad commentary that, while many beautiful things are happening on the Plateau, some media outlets are not interested in promoting them. Once a life is taken, the headlines are exaggerated.”
However, the town hall was not without its contentious moments. Representatives from various communities voiced heated accusations and counter-accusations. Gyang Chollom, representing the Berom community, stated: “Since March 2010, the Fulani have single-handedly taken over the attacks. Many villages have been attacked and taken over since then. This is not community violence.”
In response, Saleh Bago, a representative of the Fulani community, countered with claims of discrimination against the Fulani by Plateau locals: “If we desire peace, we must confront the reality. The Fulani are denied opportunities to hold significant political positions. We must collectively address these issues in Plateau State. Plateau locals are self-serving and if they abandon this attitude and befriend the Fulani, peace will prevail in Plateau.”
News Central’s managing director and editor-in-chief, Kayode Akintemi, appreciated the governor’s support and expressed hope for sustained peace in the state. Akintemi also met privately with Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the General Commanding Officer of the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army in Plateau State, who plays an active role in conflict resolution in the area.
He reassured the audience that News Central would continue to engage with Plateau State, aiming to deepen the conversation and collaborate with stakeholders in finding lasting solutions for peace.
The town hall series by News Central represents a crucial step towards addressing the complex issues of violence and conflict in Plateau State, highlighting the importance of dialogue, understanding and collaboration in achieving sustainable peace.
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