Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby visited communities in Plateau State, Nigeria, to address the ongoing violence that has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands. His visit, which included meetings with victims, religious leaders, and local officials, underscored the complexity of the conflict and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Welby, who served as the head of the Anglican Church from 2013 to 2020, emphasized that while there are no easy answers to the violence, community resilience and collaboration must be central to resolving the crisis.
The former archbishop’s trip to Plateau State came amid renewed calls for accountability and action following the 29 March Palm Sunday attacks, which killed at least 30 people in Jos and surrounding areas. The violence, part of a broader pattern of intercommunal clashes in the region, has left families grieving and communities in turmoil. Welby’s visit aimed to amplify the voices of those affected and to explore practical measures to prevent further bloodshed.
During his visit, Welby met with families who had lost loved ones in the attacks, including Favour Ayuba, a mother who lost her son, Promise, in the March 29 violence. Ayuba described her struggle to find answers and support for her family, stating, “Since 29th March till date, I have been asking questions and I have not got any answers.” She urged Welby to continue advocating for the victims and to push for lasting peace in the region.
Another bereaved parent, Abdulbasit Abiodun, recounted how his son was shot dead during the attack. “I had been with my son at home on 29 March when the attack occurred and never saw him alive again,” he said. Welby acknowledged the profound grief of the families, sharing his own experience of losing a child as a reminder of the enduring pain faced by parents in similar situations.
Welby cautioned against offering simplistic explanations for the violence, stating, “There are answers, but they are not good answers. Too often, the answers we give are cheap, easy answers.” He emphasized the importance of listening to affected communities rather than imposing solutions from outside, drawing on his experience working in conflict zones worldwide. “I came to listen to you and to learn,” he said, highlighting the need for local knowledge to inform security strategies.
The former archbishop also discussed practical measures to enhance community safety, including training programs for residents, improved security infrastructure, and the potential use of early-warning technology inspired by systems in Ukraine. However, he made it clear that he could not guarantee success. “I cannot promise I will succeed,” Welby said. “I make no promises because I will not lie to you, but I promise I will try and do my best.”
During his visit, Welby met with Ronku Aka, the paramount ruler of the Irigwe nation in Bassa Local Government Area, who revealed that the community had lost over 3,000 people to violence in the past decade. Aka called for long-term solutions to insecurity, stating, “Development will remain difficult without peace.” The figure underscores the scale of the crisis, which has persisted despite repeated appeals for intervention from local and national authorities.
Welby was accompanied by key figures, including Isa El-Buba, founder of El-Buba Outreach Ministries International, and Steve Dangana, Caleb Mutfwang’s Special Adviser on Religious Affairs. The visit also included discussions with members of the Plateau State Inter-Religious Advisory Council and a meeting with Muslim leaders at the Jos Central Mosque. These engagements reflected the multi-faith approach to addressing the conflict, which has often pitted Christian and Muslim communities against each other.
The former archbishop’s visit followed a meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who has faced criticism for the state’s handling of the violence. Mutfwang’s administration has been accused of inadequate security measures and delayed responses to attacks, though the governor has consistently emphasized the need for collaboration with religious and community leaders to restore stability.
Welby’s remarks resonated with local leaders, who acknowledged the importance of grassroots efforts in combating insecurity. Dunka Gomwalk, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Plateau State, praised the former archbishop’s focus on community-driven solutions. “The voices of those living with violence must be at the center of any strategy to address the crisis,” Gomwalk said, echoing Welby’s emphasis on local participation.
The violence in Plateau State has deep roots in ethnic and religious tensions, exacerbated by competition for land, resources, and political power. The region has seen cycles of retaliation between Christian and Muslim groups, with attacks often targeting churches, mosques, and civilian populations. The Palm Sunday attacks, which occurred during a time of heightened religious observance, highlighted the vulnerability of communities during periods of heightened tension.
Despite repeated calls for action, the conflict has persisted, with no clear resolution in sight. The lack of accountability for perpetrators and the slow pace of justice have further fueled frustration among victims’ families. Welby’s visit, while symbolic, has been seen as a rare moment of international attention on a crisis that has largely been overlooked by global media and policymakers.
The former archbishop’s visit also drew attention to the broader implications of the conflict for Nigeria’s stability. Plateau State, a microcosm of the country’s sectarian divides, has become a flashpoint for violence that threatens to spill into other regions. Analysts warn that without sustained efforts to address the root causes of the conflict, the cycle of violence will continue to claim lives and destabilize the nation.
Welby’s message of hope and resilience was met with cautious optimism by many in the affected communities. While some expressed gratitude for his presence, others remained skeptical about the impact of his visit. “We need more than words,” said one community leader. “We need concrete actions and accountability from those in power.”
The former archbishop’s visit concluded with a call for continued vigilance and prayer for peace. Welby urged victims to remain steadfast in their efforts to rebuild their lives while advocating for systemic change. “I will try and do my best,” he said, leaving behind a message of solidarity with those who have suffered the most from the violence.
The crisis in Plateau State highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution, combining security measures, justice, and community reconciliation. As the region grapples with the aftermath of recent attacks, the international community’s attention offers a rare opportunity to push for meaningful reforms that address the root causes of the violence.
Welby’s visit serves as a reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the importance of amplifying the voices of those most affected. While the path to peace remains uncertain, his engagement with the communities underscores the critical role of dialogue and collaboration in overcoming the deep-seated divisions that have plagued the region for decades.