Former Plateau State Governor and Senator, Joshua Dariye, on Monday presented a comprehensive two-volume peace and security report to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, outlining far-reaching recommendations aimed at addressing the persistent security challenges confronting the state.
The report, which focuses on the protection of vulnerable communities, the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced persons, and institutional reforms to strengthen peacebuilding efforts, comes amid renewed attacks that have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods across Plateau State.
Its submission follows months of deliberations by a strategic peace committee constituted by the state government after a fresh wave of deadly violence swept through several rural communities during the first half of 2026.
The attacks, which affected a number of local government areas, reportedly claimed scores of lives, displaced thousands of residents from their ancestral homes and destroyed farmlands, raising concerns over food security and the worsening humanitarian situation in affected communities.
The renewed insecurity prompted Governor Mutfwang to lead a high-powered delegation from Plateau State to meet with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja in April 2026.
During the meeting, the governor sought urgent intervention from the Federal Government to halt the recurring attacks and restore lasting peace to communities that had suffered repeated violence.
Following the engagement, President Tinubu directed the Plateau State Government to “reignite and reinvigorate the search for lasting peace,” encouraging the state to deepen dialogue, strengthen security coordination and develop practical strategies capable of addressing both the immediate and underlying causes of the crisis.
In response to the presidential directive, Governor Mutfwang established a strategic committee on peace and security and appointed former Governor Joshua Dariye to chair the body, drawing on his experience in governance and conflict resolution.
After weeks of consultations with stakeholders, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations and civil society groups, the committee compiled its findings into a two-volume report that was formally presented to the governor.
The report is understood to contain practical recommendations centred on enhancing the protection of vulnerable communities that remain exposed to attacks, improving security coordination, facilitating the recovery and resettlement of internally displaced persons and implementing institutional reforms designed to break the recurring cycle of violence.
It also advocates stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities, as well as policies that promote reconciliation, justice and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in Plateau State.
The committee reportedly emphasised that sustainable peace would require a comprehensive approach that goes beyond military responses to include economic recovery, community engagement, improved intelligence gathering and strengthened governance structures.
Speaking during the presentation, Senator Dariye stressed the need for collective commitment to implementing the recommendations, noting that the recurring violence had inflicted enormous human and economic costs on the state.
He expressed optimism that the blueprint would provide government with a practical framework for restoring stability and rebuilding confidence among affected communities.
According to him, lasting peace can only be achieved through sustained collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations and citizens.
Governor Mutfwang, while receiving the report, commended the committee for its diligence and dedication in producing what he described as a comprehensive roadmap for peace and security.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending the prolonged insecurity that has affected several parts of the state, assuring residents that the recommendations would receive careful consideration.
He said the government remained determined to protect lives and property while implementing policies that promote justice, reconciliation and inclusive development across Plateau State.
Mutfwang also reiterated that addressing the root causes of conflict remained central to his administration’s agenda, adding that peace was essential for agricultural production, economic growth and social development.
He assured displaced persons that the government would continue to work towards creating conditions that would enable them to return safely to their communities and rebuild their lives.
The submission of the report marks another step in Plateau State’s ongoing efforts to confront its longstanding security challenges through dialogue, institutional reforms and coordinated action involving both state and federal authorities.
Stakeholders are expected to study the committee’s recommendations as the government develops a comprehensive implementation strategy aimed at restoring peace, rebuilding affected communities and preventing further cycles of violence across the state.
