PSPBA LEADS COMMUNITY SECURITY DIALOGUE TO STRENGTHEN SAFETY AHEAD OF THE FESTIVE SEASON
The Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PSPBA) convened a community security dialogue under the theme: “Strengthening Community Security Ahead of the Festive Season: Enhancing Trust, Coordination, and Early Response in Plateau State Northern Zone.” The initiative brought together key stakeholders to foster proactive security measures, promote collaboration, and develop practical, community-driven solutions to address rising insecurity.
In an opening remark, Mr. Kenneth Dakop, speaking on behalf of the Director General of PSPBA, Dr. Julie Sanda, welcomed participants and emphasized the timeliness of the engagement amid escalating security challenges. He noted that, supported by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders from Bassa and Riyom to collaborate on sustainable solutions. He urged participants to be open, active, and solution-oriented, working alongside the Agency and partners to address local security concerns effectively.
In a complementary address, Commander David Paul Mwahoss of the Nigeria Forest Security Services expressed gratitude for life and applauded the collaboration among various security agencies. He highlighted that rising insecurity requires collective responsibility, particularly with the festive season approaching. He reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to strengthen its presence, work closely with communities, and encouraged citizens to share information, report suspicious activities, and actively support security efforts to achieve a safer Plateau State.
Additionally, Mrs. Nandi Dakle, representing the Interim Area Manager of the NRC, delivered a goodwill message, appreciating the ongoing partnership with PSPBA and welcoming all participants. She underscored the importance of the collaboration, especially in a period marked by heightened insecurity, and provided a brief overview of NRC’s humanitarian work in supporting displaced and affected communities across several local government areas in Plateau State. She noted that the Area Manager could not attend but sent warm greetings. Mrs. Dakle emphasized how insecurity continues to disrupt lives, including school closures and community displacement, and encouraged participants to fully engage in the discussions. She also reaffirmed NRC’s commitment to working closely with communities in Bassa, Riyom, and other LGAs to enhance safety, support resilience, and strengthen humanitarian response.
Further elaborating on the dialogue, Hope Chuwang of PSPBA explained that the Community Security Dialogue is designed to promote proactive security through the Peace Architecture Approach. She noted that past responses to conflict had been largely reactive, which prompted the establishment of the Peace Building Agency to strengthen early warning and early response mechanisms. Highlighting the ongoing collaboration with NRC, she also pointed out the widespread displacement affecting over 36,000 people across several communities. She stressed the need for safety measures before resettling displaced persons and the importance of establishing security posts in vulnerable areas. The dialogue, she noted, was prompted by recent security alerts and aimed to improve coordination, vigilance, and community-led action.
The dialogue also featured a panel discussion led by Plangna’an Da’or, providing updates on current security trends in Bassa and Riyom, alongside perspectives from stakeholders on emerging risks. Breakout sessions examined likely triggers during the festive season, identified hotspots, threats, early warning signs, and existing community coping mechanisms. These discussions culminated in the development of community-based mitigation and preparedness measures, with meaningful contributions from both Bassa and Riyom participants.
In an interview, Hon. Noro Davou, the councillor representing Ta-Hoss Ward in Riyom LGA, expressed deep appreciation to PSPBA for organizing the interfaith and intertribal program, highlighting the commendable participation of both Christians and Muslims. She emphasized the importance of applying lessons from the program to promote positive community change, particularly through early warning systems and information sharing with security agencies. As a local lawmaker, she has actively facilitated security meetings and dialogues between conflicting parties, advocating measures that foster lasting peace.
In conclusion, the community security dialogue successfully reinforced the value of collaboration between government agencies, security forces, humanitarian partners, and local communities. Through dialogue, early warning strategies, and proactive planning, the initiative demonstrated a shared commitment to creating safer, more resilient communities across Bassa, Riyom, and the broader Northern Zone of Plateau State.
