The Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PSPBA), in collaboration with the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), has organized the Plateau Parliament on Peace and Security in Jos, Plateau State. Themed “Strengthening Community Resilience for Sustainable Peace,” the event brought together peace advocates, community leaders, stakeholders, and security personnel.
The event provided a platform for dialogue, sharing of experiences, and developing strategies aimed at promoting unity and sustainable peace across Plateau communities.
In his welcome address, President of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), Bali Nanmak, said the Parliament was designed to chart a new pathway for peace on the Plateau.
He noted that the state had been in the news for negative reasons, making dialogue necessary. “Peace is not given freely,” he stressed, urging participants to see themselves as custodians of peace and resilience.
Nanmak explained that the Parliament was a platform where all voices would be heard to shape solutions for lasting peace. He thanked the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency under Dr. Julie Sanda for its support, as well as partners, security agencies, and participants.
Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency, said the Parliament was convened to address the growing complexity of conflicts in Plateau State. She noted that reducing the issues to “Jos crisis” or “farmer-herder conflict” no longer captures the reality on the ground.
She emphasized that the Parliament provides a platform for dialogue and practical solutions, linking immediate security stabilization with long-term peacebuilding. According to her, “the legislature has a crucial role in ensuring success through lawmaking, oversight, and budgetary support.”
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Nanbol Listik, Chairman House Committee on Labour and Security, said the legislature plays a role in peacebuilding despite security being on the exclusive list. He explained that states are empowered to make laws that support peace and development.
Listik stressed that achieving peace requires both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. “Plateau’s diversity and poor infrastructure create wide gaps between communities and security institutions,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration to strengthen resilience.
Representing the British High Commissioner, Graham Gass extended condolences to the people of Plateau over the loss of lives to violence. He described peace as essential for growth, livelihoods, and service delivery, noting that “it is the foundation upon which every other sector depends.”
Gass explained that the UK, through the SPRING programme, is working with government, security agencies, and communities to strengthen early warning systems, promote community policing, and address drivers of conflict such as drug abuse, small arms, and land disputes. He urged stakeholders to “focus on actionable solutions that can deliver lasting peace.”
Prof. Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy to the Governor on Peace and Security, emphasized that government has the main duty to protect its citizens. He cautioned that security should not be politicized and urged leaders at all levels to be visible and accountable.
He explained that citizens often respond to insecurity with inaction, complicity, or resistance. Citing Dadinkowa, Rantia, and Mistali as examples of resilient communities, he called for more investment in “modeling peace” through the efforts of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and communities.
David Paul, State Commander of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), spoke on the role of non-conventional security groups. He said their closeness to the grassroots helps them respond quickly to threats and build trust with locals.
Paul explained that these groups face challenges such as poor recognition, little support, and constant exposure to danger. “We are not meant to replace government security but to complement them in strengthening community resilience for peace,” he stated.
The event also featured a panel discussion on “Non-Conventional Security Structures: Community Security Beyond the Formal – What Do We Do and How Do We Do It?” Panelists included Mildred Shapshik, Paul Daniel, Lina Daniel, Blessing Ngozi Emmanuel, Bitrus Excel, and Ibrahim Imran, with Bali Nanmak as moderator.
Panelists highlighted innovative and inclusive approaches for communities to strengthen resilience and take ownership of their security beyond formal structures.
