The Federal Government has launched the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI) aimed at tackling the rising insecurity in Nigeria's North-Central region. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday in Jos, Plateau State.

Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-Central, spearheaded the initiative. During the launch, she emphasized that PCEPI is designed to promote peace and security across states within the troubled region.

"This initiative is an innovative peace network aimed at driving the peace agenda and promoting social cohesion across the region," Essiet stated. "In recent times, these areas have witnessed troubling violence such as banditry, farmer-herder clashes, insurgency, kidnapping, among others."

She further highlighted the severity of the security challenges facing the region, noting that they have resulted in tragic loss of lives and property. "The challenges before the region are more serious and far reaching. This situation demands a proactive and intriguing response, one that places communities at the corner of peace," she added.

Royal Support and Historical Context

His Majesty Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba, who was present at the event, called on Nigerians to pass down historical antecedents to younger generations. The traditional ruler emphasized that such knowledge would provide better perspective toward addressing the lingering conflicts in the region.

Governor's Endorsement

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang officially inaugurated the initiative, expressing confidence that it would significantly promote peaceful coexistence in the North-Central region. The governor added that PCEPI would empower communities to take the lead in the peace-building process of the Tinubu-led administration.

"This initiative is driven by the belief that peace is not only a goal, but a shared responsibility," Mutfwang stated. "We gather here at a critical moment in our national journey across our communities."

The governor further explained that the initiative aims to empower communities to take the lead in conflict resolution and peace building, recognizing that sustainable peace must be locally driven. "It will also build bridges of trust between citizens through shared commitment and dialogue," he concluded.

The launch comes at a time when the North-Central region continues to grapple with various security challenges that have displaced thousands and disrupted economic activities across several states.