Youths under the platform of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC) in Jos North Local Government Area have concluded a three-day confidence and trust-building initiative aimed at promoting peace and rebuilding unity among communities in the area.
The programme, themed “Healing and Rebuilding Together,” was organized by the youth council with the support of the Jos North Local Government Council and ran from March 13 to March 15, 2026.
As part of the initiative, youth leaders and volunteers visited several communities across Jos North including Gangare, Garba Daho, Rikkos, Gadan Sogai, Congo Russia, Gadan Bako, Angwan Rogo, Katako, Angwan Rukuba, Fudawa and Tudun Wada. The visits created opportunities for interaction with residents and youths in the communities while advocating for peace, unity and mutual trust.
The three-day programme ended with a dinner and interfaith gathering held at the Jos North Local Government Secretariat where youths from both Christian and Muslim communities interacted and reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the decoration of several individuals as Peace Ambassadors for acts of bravery during recent tensions that followed attacks in Doruwan Babuje and surrounding areas.
Among those honoured were a tricycle rider who rescued his passenger from a mob during a reprisal attack, a family that sheltered and saved a victim fleeing from an angry mob, and a commercial taxi driver who protected passengers and ensured their safety during the crisis.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Hon. Barr. John Kyohroh Christopher commended the Plateau Youth Council for the initiative and urged youths to continue championing peace and unity.
He noted that the local government had worked hard to restore peace in the area and warned against retaliatory attacks following incidents that occur elsewhere.
According to him, no individual has the right to take the life of another innocent person, stressing that violence and mob actions do not represent the values of the people of Jos North.
Chris also highlighted ongoing efforts by the local government to address socio-economic challenges including water supply, healthcare services, education and infrastructure development.
He described Jos North as a unique local government with diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, noting that its peaceful coexistence could serve as a model for Plateau State and Nigeria.
“If Jos North can remain united despite its diversity, then Plateau State and even Nigeria can also live in unity,” he said.
Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council in Jos North, Ambassador Paul Steven Mancha, explained that the initiative was designed to rebuild trust and confidence among residents following recent tensions in the state.
According to him, the youth council intentionally visited communities with mixed teams of Christian and Muslim youths to preach peace and reassure residents that the area remains safe for business and social activities.
Mancha said Jos North remains the “heartbeat” of Plateau State, noting that instability in the area could affect the entire state.
He urged young people to prioritize humanity above religious differences and to avoid retaliatory violence when incidents occur in other communities.
He also encouraged youths to use social media responsibly by promoting peace and unity rather than spreading misinformation or messages that could escalate tensions.
Also speaking, Chairman of the planning committee and President of the Coalition of Youth Leaders for Good Governance, Naraguta B Ward, Comrade Philips Barko, said the initiative was prompted by recent attacks and reprisals that resulted in loss of lives in parts of Plateau State.
Barko explained that youth leaders visited affected communities, met with religious leaders, and also provided support to some families who lost loved ones during the incidents.
He said the decision to honour individuals who rescued victims during the crisis was meant to promote positive examples of courage and compassion across religious divides.
According to him, the recognition sends a message that there are good people on both sides of religious and community lines who are committed to protecting lives.
He expressed optimism that such efforts would strengthen peace and unity in Plateau State and encourage more people to stand up against violence.
The organizers noted that the initiative would be sustained through continued engagement with communities and youth groups to promote lasting peace across Jos North and the wider Plateau State.
