In response to the brutal killing of Yakubu Muhammad, a dedicated member of the 17-Man Peace Implementation Committee for Irigwe-Bassa Local Government Area, the Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Dr. Julie Sanda, led a condolence visit to the Miango community.

Dr. Sanda was joined by The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, the Director of Administration at PPBA, Elkhana Izam, and other agency members. They visited the palace of the paramount ruler of Miango, His Royal Highness Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd.), to offer their sympathies and reinforce their commitment to peace efforts.

“We were deeply shocked and saddened by the death of our brother Yakubu. His commitment to peace was unwavering, and his loss is a stark reminder that there are those who oppose peace. We must ensure that his sacrifice is not in vain and that our peace initiatives continue with even greater resolve,” said Dr. Sanda.

Dr. Sanda emphasized that their visit was supported by Plateau State Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang, who also conveyed his condolences along with other stakeholders dedicated to peace. She highlighted the crucial role of the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation in facilitating the current peace agreement.

Revd Gideon Para-Mallam echoed these sentiments, expressing profound sorrow over Yakubu’s death and calling for decisive action to prevent further violence. He also conveyed condolences from the new Chief Imam of the Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Gazali Isma’il Adam.

In response, His Royal Highness Rev. Ronku Aka appreciated the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to peace. He acknowledged the efforts of the PPBA and the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation and stressed the importance of resolving all issues to ensure lasting peace in Bassa LGA. He called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively and continue praying for peace.

The meeting concluded with a session between the PPBA team and the 17-Man Peace Implementation Committee. Musa Audu, the committee chairman, called for decisive action to bring those responsible for Yakubu’s killing to justice. He also requested assistance for resettling affected persons and supporting Yakubu’s family, emphasizing the need for more sensitization and education on drug abuse prevention.

Dr. Sanda assured the committee of the PPBA’s commitment to addressing their requests and supporting their efforts, including providing technical support and capacity-building initiatives.

Yakubu Muhammad, a committed peace advocate and leader of the Fulani Youth, was assassinated on July 18, 2024, by individuals opposed to the peace process. His death underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace in Irigwe land and Bassa LGA.