The Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA) has convened a dialogue session with representatives of 16 communities from Bachit and Riyom districts in Riyom LGA, Plateau State.
The event, held in Barkin Ladi LGA, marks the second phase of YIAVHA’s 2024 project, “Building Bridges for Peace,” which began with a focus on understanding the root drivers of conflict in the communities.
Speaking at the gathering, Executive Director of YIAVHA, Jacob Choji Pwakim, explained that the initiative now moves “from inside to action,” targeting two priority areas: the growing problem of drug abuse and the need for economic empowerment linked to peace and security.
According to him, “We are now trying to say, Okay, from what we identified when we came up with this, since view of the conflicts in Riyom, now want to start taking action.”
He added, “This dialogue brings together 16 communities, pastoralists, farmers, faith leaders, traditional authorities, security officials and local government representatives.”
Participants are being paired according to their vulnerability levels “to identify shared issues and draft community‑level case studies that will shape future interaction,” Pwakim said.
A central theme is land use. “How do they manage land use in those communities? Considering that farmers need the land, herders also need the land, we wanted them to come up with practical steps on how to do it,” he noted.
The discussions also cover substance‑abuse prevention, with elders and youth alike invited to pinpoint problems and propose solutions.
“The project is designed as a learning exercise. A learning project in the sense that we are documenting impact. We are learning from it, and we are ensuring that, at the end of the day, what are the key learnings? How do we do it better?” Pwakim said.
Findings of the dialogue session which was supported by the UK International Development, Tetra Tech International Development and SPRING; will be shared through publications and social‑media platforms to attract further donor support and expand the programme.
Pwakim called on government, security agencies and other stakeholders to address the broader insecurity challenges in Bachit and Riyom districts, as well as other nearby communities.
“How do we call on government? How do we call on security? How could you call on other actors to see what role they can play?” he asked.
He concluded with a reminder of the dialogue’s purpose: “Dialogue is no mediation. Dialogue is for us to see; how do we bring understanding? How do we understand each other?”
“This meeting aims to produce concrete, community‑driven actions that can be sustained beyond the rainy season, when farmer‑herder tensions traditionally rise,” he stressed.
In his remarks, representative of Operation Enduring Peace, (military taskforce responsible for the maintenance of peace in the State), Capt CO Eze, said, “By coming together in this platform, you have shown that healing, rebuilding and progress are truly possible when we listen to one another and work hand in hand.
“May this forum continue to serve as a breach of understanding between youth and community stakeholders; may it inspire lasting peace, foster meaningful partnership and create opportunities that uplift every home and neighborhood”, he admonished.
Also speaking, chairman of Riyom LGC, Bature Shuwa, represented by the Deputy chairman of the Council, Gwong Gywa, decried that issues of insecurity has drawn the council backwards.
“I’m urging all that are here that whatever is discussed, should be implemented.
He appealed to all those in attendance not to shield criminals in their communities, but expose them so that they can face the full wrath of the law.
The chairman also expressed disappointment that the meeting couldn’t hold in Riyom LGA, and hoped that subsequent ones will hold there.
Earlier in his goodwill message, Dagwom Rwei of Bachit, HRH Da Gyang Gwong, called for more dialogue amongst communities.
“The Ardo of Riyom district should be attending this dialogue sessions, doing so will strengthen peaceful coexistence”, he stressed.
Also speaking the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Bachit District, Bello Adamu, said, “I pray that this dialogue session should benefit all of us; we should take this message back home”.
“We need to see the result of this meeting in our various communities “, he admonished.