JNI Rejects Foreign Intervention, Insists Plateau Peace Must Be Locally Driven

Yemi Kosoko in Jos

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has firmly rejected calls for foreign involvement in resolving the recurring ethno‑religious tensions in Plateau State, warning that external actors could complicate rather than resolve the state’s longstanding conflicts.

The position comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity and allegations by some groups of a so‑called “Christian genocide” in the State, alongside appeals for intervention from foreign governments, including the United States.

During a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Abuja, the Plateau State Chairman of JNI and Emir of Wase, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Sambo II, made the organisation’s stance clear. He was represented by the Vice Chairman of JNI, Engr. Hassan Husseini, mni.

He stressed that sustainable peace in Plateau must be rooted in local realities and shaped by indigenous mechanisms, not outsourced to foreign entities that may lack a nuanced understanding of the State’s complex socio‑cultural dynamics.

According to him, foreign intervention risks deepening existing tensions and could trigger unintended consequences in already fragile communities. “The pathway to enduring peace in Plateau must be locally conceived, nationally supported and firmly anchored on truth, justice and mutual respect among all communities,” he said.

Despite its reservations about external involvement, JNI welcomed IPCR’s engagement with stakeholders, describing the initiative as timely and constructive. The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with government agencies, civil society groups and traditional institutions to strengthen dialogue and conflict‑resolution structures.

Speaking earlier, the Director General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochegwu, commended JNI for its longstanding contributions to peacebuilding in Plateau State. He recalled the stabilising role played by the late Emir of Wase between 2001 and 2003, noting that traditional leadership has historically been central to managing crises.

Dr. Ochegwu aligned with JNI’s position against foreign intervention, emphasising that local conflicts are best resolved through inclusive dialogue and sustained engagement among stakeholders who understand the underlying issues.

He also advocated for constitutional empowerment of traditional institutions to enable them to play more proactive roles in peacebuilding and conflict management.

Adding a socio‑economic perspective, the Director of Women Affairs of JNI and National Amira of FOMWAN, Hajiya Summaya Hamza, identified youth unemployment and restiveness as major drivers of instability. She called for a holistic approach that includes scholarships, skills development and social support systems to reduce vulnerability among young people and foster a sense of belonging.

In his remarks, the Makama of Jos North and member of the JNI Executive Council, Alhaji Sani Mu’azu, described the IPCR visit as strategic, especially as JNI is currently undergoing internal restructuring aimed at revitalising its local government chapters. The effort, he said, is intended to enhance the organisation’s responsiveness and strengthen its grassroots peacebuilding capacity.

As Plateau State continues to grapple with its complex security challenges, the consensus from the meeting was clear: lasting peace cannot be imported. It must be built from within through trust, inclusion and sustained local engagement.