The Plateau Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), in collaboration with the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), has convened the Plateau Parliament on Peace and Security, a dialogue forum aimed at strengthening community resilience for sustainable peace.
Themed “Strengthening Community Resilience for Sustainable Peace,” the event, held in Jos, brought together peace advocates, community leaders, security agencies, and stakeholders to share experiences and chart strategies for unity and stability across Plateau communities.
In his remarks, PPPN President, Bali Nanmak, said the Parliament was conceived as a platform to chart a new pathway for peace on the Plateau, noting that the state has often made headlines for negative reasons. He urged participants to see themselves as custodians of peace, stressing that “peace is not given freely.”
Director General of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, explained that the initiative was designed to tackle the increasing complexity of conflicts in the state, which go beyond the labels of “Jos crisis” or “farmer-herder conflict.” She said the Parliament links immediate security stabilization with long-term peacebuilding, while highlighting the legislature’s role through lawmaking, oversight, and budgetary support.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Nanbol Listik, Chairman of the House Committee on Labour and Security, noted that although security is on the exclusive list, state legislatures are empowered to enact laws that promote peace and development. He emphasized the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, pointing out that Plateau’s diversity and infrastructural gaps create challenges that require stronger collaboration.
The British High Commission, represented by Graham Gass, expressed condolences to victims of recent violence, describing peace as fundamental to growth and service delivery. He noted that the UK, through the SPRING programme, is working with government, security agencies, and communities to strengthen early warning systems, promote community policing, and tackle drivers of conflict such as drug abuse, small arms proliferation, and land disputes.
Prof. Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy to the Governor on Peace and Security, reminded stakeholders that government has the primary duty of protecting citizens. He warned against politicizing security and urged leaders to be visible and accountable. Citing communities such as Dadinkowa, Rantia, and Mistali as examples of resilience, he called for more investment in “modeling peace” through traditional and religious institutions.
David Paul, State Commander of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), highlighted the role of non-conventional security outfits, saying their proximity to communities enhances trust and rapid response. He, however, lamented poor recognition, limited support, and high risks, stressing that their role is complementary to that of formal security agencies.
A panel discussion on “Non-Conventional Security Structures: Community Security Beyond the Formal – What Do We Do and How Do We Do It?” featured voices from practitioners including Mildred Shapshik, Paul Daniel, Lina Daniel, Blessing Ngozi Emmanuel, Bitrus Excel, and Ibrahim Imran, moderated by PPPN’s Bali Nanmak. Panelists underscored the importance of inclusive, innovative approaches for communities to take ownership of their security and resilience efforts.
The Parliament closed with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to foster dialogue, build trust, and strengthen grassroots mechanisms in the pursuit of lasting peace across Plateau State.
