President Bola Tinubu has approved a N2 billion relief package for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwa Rukuban, Jos, while urging leaders in Plateau State to take decisive steps towards ending recurring violence.
The development was disclosed in a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, following an interactive meeting between the President and a 32-member delegation from Plateau State.
The meeting, held in continuation of earlier engagements, focused on addressing the aftermath of the violence in Jos North Local Government Area.
At the end of the session, leaders from the state pledged a renewed commitment to peace, acknowledging the need for unity and collective action in resolving longstanding conflicts.
During the nearly three-hour meeting, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mohammed Dorro, announced the President’s approval of the N2 billion support package for victims of the Angwa Rukuban attack.
President Tinubu directed stakeholders, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to return to the state with a clear agenda for peacebuilding, including revisiting past government White Papers on security crises and implementing practical recommendations.
“As leaders, you must go back home, summon a leadership meeting among yourselves, take the gazette, review the previous recommendations and agree to implement the White Paper,” the President said.
He also urged them to identify unresolved issues and present workable solutions for federal consideration, stressing that enduring peace must be built on sincerity and cooperation.
The President also called for tolerance among residents, warning against divisions along ethnic, religious, or political lines.
“Let us first of all accept one resolution, tolerance for every inhabitant. If people are being recruited to provoke anger, conflict and killings, it is you, the leaders, that should first of all examine yourselves,” he said.
Tinubu emphasised that Plateau State, once known for peaceful coexistence, must reclaim that identity through deliberate and responsible leadership.
“No protocols, no hinderances, we are here to speak our minds and find a permanent solution to a recurring conflict and chaos.
”Everybody here is seeking peace. How do we chart our path to that peace?” he added.
He also warned against allowing divisive elements to destabilise communities and urged leaders to promote justice, fairness, and inclusion, ensuring that all residents feel a sense of belonging.
In addition, the President directed the state government to identify individuals responsible for instigating violence and ensure they are brought to justice.
In his response, Governor Caleb Mutfwang commended the President for his continued support and commitment to peace in Plateau State, noting that the meeting marked a rare gathering of past and present leaders.
“Our coming here today shows that there is a renewed spirit on the plateau; that we want to be together,” the governor said.
He pledged that leaders in the state would build on the renewed momentum to strengthen unity and address poverty, turning conflict into opportunities for development.
“We are determined more than ever to close all our gaps, ensure that we rise above all the divides of religion and ethnicity, and build a state we can all be proud of,” he said.
“Having gathered this momentum, we want to assure you, by God’s grace, that we will build on it to tell a better story in the years to come.”
The governor also reaffirmed the state’s support for national development initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Gbong Gwon Jos, HRM Da Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the President’s leadership and peace efforts, calling for enhanced security measures, including increased troop deployment and the installation of surveillance systems.
He also advocated stronger support for the safe return of internally displaced persons to their communities.
Members of the delegation, including youth representatives, emphasised the need for sincerity among leaders, warning that lasting peace would remain elusive without genuine commitment.
The delegation, which comprised former governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, pledged collective support for ongoing peace efforts in Plateau State.
