A prominent Fulani leader in Plateau State, Mohammed Mato, has emphasized the critical need for mutual understanding and tolerance among young people as the foundation for lasting peace in the region.
Speaking at a one-day peacebuilding workshop in Jos, Mato challenged the common narrative that farmer-herder clashes are the sole cause of conflicts in Bassa Local Government Area and other parts of the state.
The event, themed “Building a Community-Based Approach to Peace Through Early Warning and Social Media,” brought together youth leaders, community stakeholders, and representatives from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Mato stressed that sustained dialogue among young people could significantly reduce the recurring violence plaguing Plateau State. He urged youths across ethnic divides to embrace unity and tolerance, noting that such values would help address the state’s security challenges.
Reflecting on the past, Mato recalled how Fulani and Irigwe communities in Miango once coexisted harmoniously, sharing meals, education, and even sleeping in each other’s homes without conflict. He expressed dismay over the current climate of distrust and violence, questioning how hatred had replaced the longstanding bonds of friendship.
“The youth must come together, sit down, and have honest conversations about peace,” he said. “In my childhood, we lived as brothers, but today, we destroy lives and properties without hesitation. This must change.”
Mato also encouraged young people to leverage modern technology and education to foster peaceful coexistence, emphasizing that social media and early warning systems could play vital roles in conflict prevention.
The Fulani leader’s call for reconciliation comes amid ongoing tensions in Plateau State, where communal clashes have displaced thousands and claimed numerous lives in recent years. The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to explore practical strategies for rebuilding trust and promoting sustainable peace in the region.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
