JOS, Nigeria — The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has concluded a peace mission to Plateau State, meeting with Christian and Muslim leaders and visiting communities scarred by recent violence to foster interfaith cooperation and bolster grassroots security initiatives.
Welby’s tour included visits to Angwan Rukuba, where he offered condolences to families affected by the Palm Sunday attacks, and Bassa Local Government Area, a region heavily impacted by persistent insecurity.
Welcoming the delegation in Bassa, His Royal Highness Rt. Rev. Ronku Aka revealed that the community has lost more than 3,000 people to violent attacks over the past decade. Appealing for sustained peace efforts, the traditional ruler emphasized that economic and social development remains impossible without security.
Addressing local residents, Welby assured them that the global community stands in solidarity with Plateau State.
“My message is many people long to see this end and are praying for them around the world. Keep praying, keep working, keep vigilant, and God will deliver,” Welby said. He also commended ongoing local security measures, specifically praising community efforts to train local vigilantes and deploy CCTV surveillance systems in vulnerable areas.
High-Level Engagements and Community Outreach Welby was accompanied by a delegation of religious and government representatives, including Prophet Isa El-Buba, Founder of El-Buba Outreach Ministries International (EBOMI); Rev. Steve Dangana, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs to the Plateau State Governor; and Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State. Earlier in his itinerary, Welby met with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
As part of efforts to bridge religious divides, Welby held strategic talks with the Plateau State Inter-Religious Advisory Council and visited the Jos Central Mosque.
During the meeting at the mosque, the Chief Imam, Sheikh Ghazali Isma'ila Adam, highlighted political manipulation, stereotyping, and youth marginalization as major drivers of conflict. He urged peace advocates to expand their reach beyond high-level leadership.
"Peace initiatives must move beyond meetings among elites and religious leaders to engage directly with young people and communities where conflicts occur," Sheikh Adam stated, advocating for interfaith visits between places of worship to challenge negative stereotypes among younger generations.
Leaders Call for Action Beyond Dialogue Local religious leaders echoed the call for joint action. Rev. Dr. Pandam Yamsat, Chairman of the Plateau State Inter-Religious Advisory Council, insisted that faith leaders already possess the practical solutions needed to resolve the conflict.
“Peace is doable. If we want peace, we will have it on the Plateau,” Yamsat said, calling on both communities to return to the dialogue table.
Prophet Isa El-Buba emphasized that the loss of life across northern Nigeria affects all citizens regardless of ethnic or religious background. He advocated for targeted social interventions, including structured Islamic education and guidance for Almajiri children to protect them from extremist exploitation.
Dr. Julie Sanda, Director-General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency and Secretary of the Advisory Council, noted that the council's strategy now focuses on direct field presence, with religious leaders accompanying peacebuilding teams into affected communities to offer support and listen to local concerns.
Welby’s visit comes amid ongoing efforts by state authorities, security agencies, and faith-based groups to stabilize Plateau State and establish long-term conflict prevention measures.
