The three-day intensive multi-stakeholder engagement, aimed at addressing conflict resolution in Plateau State, concluded on a high note with a strategic coordination meeting involving International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) dedicated to the cause of peacebuilding in Plateau State.

Organized by the Plateau State Peace Building Agency in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Mercy Corps, the event drew to a close at the Crest Hotel Conference Hall in Jos, the state capital. The summit garnered participation from a diverse array of stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders, security agencies, and community representatives.

The closeout coordination meeting, focused on fostering enhanced synergy and partnership, carried the theme: “Coordinated Robust Partnership and Collaboration Towards Addressing the Resurgence of Violence in Mangu, Barikin Ladi, and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State.” This pivotal gathering sought to streamline efforts and pool resources to more effectively combat the escalating challenges faced by these communities.

Mr. Gayi Timothy, Director of Administration and Acting Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), emphasized the significance of the engagement. He underscored the importance of synchronized coordination among INGOs, NGOs, and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, asserting that the event served as a platform for robust dialogue, collaboration, and the establishment of proactive responses to security concerns.

Timothy further elaborated on the achievements of the three-day program, where security agencies, community leaders, and various organizations dedicated to peacebuilding convened. The discussions aimed to unravel the root causes of long-standing crises, understand the evolving dynamics of conflict, and strategize prompt responses to early warnings to avert potential attacks and violence.

“The commitment is to foster improved inter-agency synergy, enhance response mechanisms, and ensure timely security interventions in response to early warnings,” Timothy emphasized.

Maji Peter, Country Director of Equal Access International in Nigeria, highlighted the profound purpose behind the meeting. He explained that the coordination aimed to create a unified platform for Civil Society Organizations, donor agencies, and international organizations operating in Plateau State. This collaborative effort sought to broaden perspectives, fortify structural foundations, and fortify the peace architecture in the region. Addressing security challenges and bolstering early warning systems were among the collective objectives.

Mr. Chrisantus Lapang, Acting Chief of Party for Peace Action For Rapid Transformative Nigerian Early Response, further illuminated the meeting’s goals. Lapang underscored the importance of comprehending the contextual intricacies of violence within specific Local Government Areas of Plateau State. This understanding would pave the way for targeted interventions and impactful solutions, promoting unity, and minimizing the duplication of efforts.

In a joint expression of support, Rev. James Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Ashafa, Co-Executive Directors of the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC), lauded the engagement for promoting streamlined and harmonious collaboration among diverse organizations. They stressed the need for a unified approach, emphasizing unity and cooperative action to address the multifaceted security challenges in Plateau State effectively.

The summit’s key outcomes encompassed the establishment of a unique conversational platform, enabling strategic partners such as Equal Access International, Mercy Corps, Tearfund, Search for Common Ground, WANEP Nigeria, Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), Plateau Peace Media Network (PPMN), and others to collectively deliberate on innovative strategies for advancing peacebuilding in Plateau State.

The successful summit has propelled critical conversations on countering the recent surge in conflicts across various Local Government Areas, including Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, and Bassa. These discussions provide a foundation for renewed commitment, cooperation, and consolidated efforts among INGOs, NGOs, and CSOs, despite the enduring challenges posed by persistent violence.