Tinubu approves ₦2bn relief for Plateau attack victims, urges leaders to embrace peace
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦2 billion in relief support for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwa Rukuban, Jos, and urged Plateau State leaders to work towards lasting peace by addressing the root causes of recurring violence in the state.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, following an interactive meeting between the President and a 32 member delegation from Plateau State led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
The meeting was held in fulfilment of Tinubu’s earlier promise to engage stakeholders after the violence in Jos North Local Government Area.
At the end of the meeting, Plateau leaders pledged renewed commitment to peace and acknowledged the need for collective efforts to end the long running conflicts in the state.
During the nearly three hour session, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mohammed Dorro, announced that the President had approved the ₦2 billion relief package for victims of the Angwa Rukuban attack.
According to the statement, Tinubu directed stakeholders, led by Governor Mutfwang, to return home with open minds and prioritise peacebuilding by reviewing previous government White Papers on security crises and implementing workable 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 urged them to identify unresolved issues and present practical solutions for federal consideration.
Tinubu also called for tolerance among residents, stressing that peace must be prioritised above ethnic, religious and political divisions.
“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.
The President noted that Plateau State, once known for peaceful coexistence, must reclaim that identity through deliberate leadership action.
“No protocols, no hindrances, 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.
Tinubu also warned against allowing divisive elements to destabilise communities and urged leaders to promote justice, fairness and inclusion while ensuring all residents feel a sense of belonging.
He further directed the state government to identify and expose individuals responsible for instigating violence so they could face prosecution.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and commitment to peace in Plateau State.
He described the gathering as historic, noting that it was the first time all former governors of the state had assembled in one room.
“Our coming here today shows that there is a renewed spirit on the Plateau, that we want to be together,” the governor said.
Mutfwang pledged that leaders would strengthen unity, rise above ethnic and religious divisions, and transform 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.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, also commended Tinubu for his peace initiatives and called for increased security presence, including troop deployment and installation of CCTV cameras.
He further advocated renewed support for the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities.
The delegation included former governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, serving and former public office holders, as well as youth representatives, all of whom pledged support for the peace process in Plateau State.