Plateau Insecurity: JNI rejects foreign intervention, calls for local solutions

2026-03-26 - 17:53

By Golok Nanmwa JOS — The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has rejected foreign intervention in Plateau State’s persistent ethno-religious conflicts, warning that external involvement could worsen tensions instead of resolving them. The stance was conveyed by the Plateau State Chairman of JNI and Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo II, while receiving a delegation from the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Abuja, at the JNI headquarters in Jos. Represented by the Vice Chairman, Engr. Hassan Husseini, the Emir emphasized that lasting peace must be locally driven, rooted in indigenous strategies, and supported by national institutions. “The pathway to enduring peace in Plateau must be locally conceived, nationally supported, and anchored on truth, justice, and mutual respect among all communities,” the Emir stated, cautioning against outsourcing conflict resolution to foreign actors unfamiliar with local dynamics. While rejecting external involvement, JNI welcomed IPCR’s dialogue initiative, affirming readiness to collaborate with government, civil society, and traditional rulers to strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms. Dr. Joseph Ochegwu, Director-General of IPCR, praised JNI’s role in mediating past conflicts and stressed that local, inclusive dialogue remains the most effective approach to peacebuilding. Adding a socio-economic dimension, Hajiya Summaya Hamza, Director of Women Affairs of JNI and National Amira of FOMWAN, identified youth unemployment and restiveness as key drivers of instability. She called for scholarships, skills acquisition programs, and social welfare initiatives to promote inclusion and reduce vulnerability. Alhaji Sani Mu’azu, Makama of Jos North, described the IPCR visit as strategic, noting JNI’s ongoing reorganisation to enhance grassroots presence and responsiveness.