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Plateau Govt, HD Reaffirm Commitment to Lasting Peace, Call for Border Demarcation to Curb Cross-Border Conflicts
The Plateau State Government and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) have renewed their joint commitment to fostering sustainable peace and stability across the state, stressing the urgent need for clear border demarcation to curb recurring cross-border conflicts.
This was the key highlight of the Multi-Agency and Multi-Sectoral Roundtable with State and Non-State Actors Towards a Sustainable Peace Architecture in Plateau State, held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Novel Suites, Rayfield, Jos. Themed “Unity in Diversity for Peaceful Coexistence in Plateau State,” the dialogue brought together stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, traditional councils, and peacebuilding organizations.
Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Piyo commended HD for its continued partnership in promoting harmony among Plateau’s diverse communities.
“This meeting is timely, especially at a period when our state continues to grapple with security challenges that have affected our growth and unity,” she said. “The Plateau State Government remains committed to restoring lasting peace so that our people can live without fear and sleep in safety.”
Piyo urged relevant federal agencies to take swift action in clearly defining Plateau’s borders with neighboring states, warning that the current porous boundaries have worsened insecurity and human trafficking.
“The porous nature of our borders not only poses security challenges but also makes our children vulnerable to trafficking. We therefore call on relevant federal agencies to define and mark our borders to help mitigate cross-border conflicts,” she added.
In his remarks, Dr. Chris Agboha, Country Manager of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) Nigeria, noted the connection between weak border control and the rise of violent crimes such as cattle rustling, land grabbing, kidnapping, and illegal mining.
“Borders are one of the primary indicators of a state’s control over its territory. When they cease to function effectively, different forms of criminality thrive, putting communities at risk,” Agboha said, while calling for collaborative approaches to managing diversity and fostering inclusivity as pathways to peace.
Professor Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy on Peace and Security to the Plateau State Government, warned that misinformation, hate speech, and social media manipulation continue to inflame tensions, urging stronger intergovernmental cooperation and deeper community engagement.
Similarly, the Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda (represented by Nantip Joseph), reaffirmed the agency’s collaboration with HD and other partners, noting that the initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen Plateau’s peace architecture.
Other contributors, including Sam Godongs, National Expert Adviser to HD Nigeria, commended the progress made through local and zonal peace structures, emphasizing their role in sustaining peacebuilding even beyond donor interventions.
The two-day roundtable will continue to examine cross-border conflicts, diversity management, and inclusive governance, ending with a unified call for synergy among all stakeholders to build a resilient, united, and peaceful Plateau.
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‘We Dug Deep for Nigeria’ — Woman of the Match Mitchelle Alozie Hails Super Falcons’ Heroic Zambia Victory
Super Falcons defender Mitchelle Alozie has hailed Nigeria’s fighting spirit after the defending champions secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia, admitting the players had to dig deep to protect their slender advantage after being reduced to 10 women.
Alozie, who was named Woman of the Match following her outstanding display, played a pivotal role as the Super Falcons bounced back from their opening defeat to Malawi to revive their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign.
Speaking after the match, the defender described the contest as one of the toughest the team has faced, praising Zambia for their quality and relentless attacking threat.
“It was a very exhausting game. Zambia have quality players, and they made life very difficult for us, but we stayed together, defended as a team and fought until the final whistle,” Alozie said.
The Super Falcons survived sustained second-half pressure despite playing with 10 players following Tosin Demehin’s first-half dismissal, with Alozie producing a commanding performance at the heart of Nigeria’s defensive effort.
The defender also appealed to supporters to remain patient and continue backing the team despite its mixed start to the tournament.
“We understand why the fans are concerned because it wasn’t the start we wanted, but we ask them to keep supporting us. We’ll continue responding positively to every challenge that comes our way,” she added.
Alozie also dismissed suggestions that criticism on social media has affected the squad, insisting the players have instead used the platforms to strengthen their bond off the pitch.
“Social media isn’t a distraction for us. It’s actually one of the ways we connect, build team chemistry and keep everyone together,” she explained.
Nigeria’s victory over Zambia has put the 10-time African champions back in control of their qualification hopes ahead of their final Group C fixture against Egypt on Wednesday, where a positive result would seal a place in the quarter-finals and keep alive their pursuit of a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
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