From PERET KWARPO, Mangu
Hundreds of youth gathered in Mangu, Plateau State, for a peace and solidarity rally, calling for an end to violence, restoration of security and renewed unity among communities in the state.
The gathering, held in Mangu town, brought together youth, community leaders, students, women groups, religious leaders and civil society advocates, all of whom stressed the need for peaceful coexistence and youth-driven initiatives to address insecurity and economic hardship caused by attacks on local communities.
The event comes amid growing concerns by residents in parts of Plateau over recurring attacks, displacement of families, destruction of farmlands and rising tensions in rural communities.
From the early hours of the day, the atmosphere around the venue reflected both grief and hope, as young men and women dressed in white shirts and carrying placards marched peacefully through major streets in Mangu, chanting songs of unity and peace.
Some of the placards bore inscriptions such as: ‘Enough is Enough’, ‘Peace for Plateau’, ‘United We Stand’, and ‘Our Future Depends on Peace’.
Youth advocate peaceful coexistence
Speaking during the event, one of the organisers and youth leader, Mr. Daniel Golit, said the gathering became necessary because young people have remained among the most affected victims of insecurity and communal violence in the state.
According to him, the programme was designed not only to mourn victims of recent attacks but also to encourage youth to become ambassadors of peace in their communities.
“For years, our people have lived in fear. Families have been displaced, children can no longer go to school freely in some areas, and farmers are afraid to return to their farms. As youths, we have decided that enough is enough,” Golit said.
“This programme is about reminding ourselves that Plateau belongs to all of us. We may come from different ethnic or religious backgrounds, but peace is the only path forward,” he added.
The event featured prayers led by Christian and Muslim clerics, cultural performances by youth groups, spoken-word presentations and discussions on community peacebuilding.
Many participants described the gathering as one of the few youth-driven peace initiatives capable of bridging divisions among communities in Plateau State.
Another speaker, Miss Ruth Davou, challenged young people to reject hate speech, political manipulation and acts capable of deepening divisions within the state.
“Young people must refuse to be used as tools for violence. The future of Plateau is in our hands, and we cannot continue to destroy ourselves because of politics, tribe, or religion,” she said.
“We need to begin to see one another first as human beings and as Plateau citizens before anything else,” she added.
Concerns over economic impact of insecurity
Several speakers also raised concerns over the economic consequences of insecurity in Mangu and neighbouring communities, noting that many farmers have abandoned their farms due to fear of attacks.
A local farmer, Mr. Jonathan Pilik, who attended the programme, said many families are struggling to survive because farming activities have been disrupted repeatedly.
“People are hungry because they cannot safely go to their farms. Businesses are suffering and many young people are frustrated. Peace is not just about stopping violence; it is also about allowing people to live and work freely again,” he said.
Community elder, Chief Luka Pwol, commended the youth for organising what he described as a “timely and courageous” initiative.
He urged traditional rulers, religious institutions, and government authorities to support youth-led peace efforts across Plateau State.
“When young people begin to preach peace instead of revenge, then there is hope for the society. This generation must choose unity over hatred,” he said.
The gathering also observed a minute of silence in honour of victims who lost their lives in recent attacks across parts of Plateau State.
Emotions ran high during the session as some participants broke down in tears while prayers were offered for affected families and displaced persons.
Security personnel were visibly present around the venue to maintain order, while volunteers coordinated the movement of participants during the peace walk held after the programme.
The event ended with participants signing a symbolic peace banner and pledging to continue promoting dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence within their communities.
Many residents who spoke after the programme expressed hope that the message of unity delivered at the gathering would spread beyond Mangu and inspire similar peace initiatives across Plateau State.