The Bum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State has taken a decisive step toward ending decades of violent conflict between farmers and pastoralists through a community-led peace initiative.
The breakthrough followed a Social Cohesion Workshop facilitated by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), held on February 14, 2026, at Government Secondary School Bum. The engagement focused on strengthening social cohesion under the theme “Ethno-Religious Diversity: The Impact of Community-Led Peace Agreement Implementation on Development, Peace and Security in Bum.”
For over 20 years, recurring clashes between farmers and pastoralists in Bum have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods, displacement, and weakened social bonds. Community members say the sustained violence also slowed development and deepened mistrust among groups that once coexisted peacefully.
At the workshop, farmers, pastoralists, traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths, peace advocates, and members of the media engaged in open dialogue and collective reflection. Participants jointly developed implementation strategies for eleven existing peace agreements, signaling a shift from dialogue to action.
Speaking at the event, Nanribet Simon Longvwam, a 2025/2026 Fellow of COFP, described the initiative as a major turning point for the community, stressing that sustainable peace becomes possible when communities themselves take ownership of peace processes.
> “Peace is not only possible—it is achievable and sustainable when communities take ownership of the process,” Longvwam said.
He explained that the peace agreements represent concrete commitments to coexistence, mutual respect, protection of livelihoods, and shared responsibility for security and development. He also emphasized that the inclusive nature of the workshop—particularly the active participation of women and youths—strengthened trust and collective responsibility.
Traditional and community leaders at the meeting reaffirmed their roles as custodians of peace, while youths pledged to act as ambassadors of unity rather than instruments of division. Women participants were also recognized for their influence as peacebuilders within families and communities.
Longvwam noted that the initiative reflects the enduring vision of COFP and the peacebuilding legacy of John Onaiyekan, whose commitment to interfaith dialogue continues to inspire grassroots peace efforts across Nigeria.
Participants expressed optimism that faithful implementation, monitoring, and accountability around the agreed strategies would mark the end of long-standing hostilities in Bum and open a new chapter of reconciliation, security, and shared prosperity for future generations. 
