The Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Dr. Julie Sanda, led a team on a condolence visit to the Miango community following the brutal killing of Yakubu Muhammad, a dedicated member of the 17-Man Peace Implementation Committee for Irigwe-Bassa Local Government Area.
Dr. Sanda was accompanied 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 express their sympathies and commitment to continuing the peace efforts.
“We received with great shock the death of our brother Yakubu. It was highly unexpected and deeply saddening that someone so committed to peace could meet such a gruesome end,” Dr. Sanda said. “His death is a tragic 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.”
She emphasized that the visit was supported by the Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang and conveyed his condolences including other stakeholders committed to peace. Dr. Sanda highlighted the significant role played by the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation in facilitating the peace agreement currently being implemented.
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 brief session between the PPBA team and the 17-Man Peace Implementation Committee. Musa Audu, the committee chairman, called for decisive action against to fetch those responsible for Yakubu’s killing and requested assistance for resettling affected persons and supporting Yakubu’s family. He also emphasized 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 highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace in Irigwe land and Bassa LGA.
