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.
