By Abdullahi Inuwa
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, security analyst Zagazola Makama has called on communities across Plateau State to end the cycle of communal violence and embrace dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Makama said recurring clashes in parts of the state, particularly Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi, had continued to weaken community relations, disrupt livelihoods and create fresh obstacles to economic recovery and development.
He described the repeated attacks, reprisals, killings, cattle rustling and destruction of property as a dangerous cycle that should not be accepted as a permanent feature of life in Plateau.
According to him, the state belongs to all its residents, regardless of ethnicity, religion, occupation or place of origin.
He stressed that innocent members of communities should not be punished for crimes committed by individuals or armed groups.
“Plateau cannot achieve lasting peace through revenge. A killing cannot be corrected by another killing, and the destruction of one community cannot justify the destruction of another,” Makama said.
He urged residents to reject collective blame, warning that holding entire ethnic or religious groups responsible for crimes committed by individuals could deepen mistrust and trigger further violence.
Makama said communities needed to replace suspicion and hostility with dialogue, accountability and cooperation, while ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts were identified, investigated and prosecuted.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community organisations to play a stronger role in calming tensions and discouraging inflammatory statements.
According to him, the spread of unverified information, particularly through social media, could rapidly turn isolated incidents into wider communal crises.
He therefore called for stronger early-warning systems and regular meetings between neighbouring communities to identify and address emerging tensions before they escalate.
Makama also advocated improved protection for farmers and pastoralists, saying disputes involving farmland, grazing routes, settlements and property should be addressed through established mechanisms rather than violence.
He called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to maintain sustained engagement with affected communities and strengthen channels for peaceful dispute resolution.
The security analyst further urged security personnel to remain professional and impartial in responding to communal conflicts, stressing that perpetrators should face the law irrespective of their ethnic, religious or community identity.
“Plateau does not need another generation growing up believing that their neighbours are their enemies,” he said.
Makama said the future of Plateau depended largely on the ability of its diverse communities to overcome grievances and rebuild confidence in one another.
He noted that the state’s Berom, Mwaghavul, Fulani, Hausa, Igbo and other residents should see themselves first as citizens and neighbours rather than adversaries.
He said the Independence Anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians, particularly residents of conflict-affected communities, to reflect on their collective responsibility for peace and nation-building.
“Peace is not simply the absence of gunshots. It is the presence of justice, trust, security, opportunity and peaceful coexistence.
“Plateau has suffered enough. The time has come for communities to choose dialogue over revenge, justice over jungle justice, coexistence over segregation and development over destruction.
“Ending communal violence is not a favour to any ethnic or religious group. It is an investment in the future of every citizen of Plateau State,” Makama said.
He urged residents to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to protecting one another and rebuilding the trust weakened by years of communal conflict.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
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