Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace in Plateau State, stressing that Nigerians themselves must take the lead in ending violence.

Speaking on Saturday at the Jos Polo Field during the formal reception of political defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu remains focused on tackling insecurity in Plateau and across the country.

“We are calling on God the Almighty to help us at the centre to bring peace to Plateau. Anybody that will rule Plateau must be committed to peace. This is the only party that cares for you,” he said.

Akpabio emphasized that peace cannot come from external actors, saying: “It is not people outside that will come and give you peace. It is we that must bring peace. We must live in peace with one another. Nigeria must have peace for progress to come.”

Expressing sorrow over the violence in the state, he added: “I cry whenever I hear the killing of a human being, whether a child or an adult. This problem we are having now did not start today; so many people have died in Plateau. Nigeria is crying out. A lot of blood has been shed, and we are not happy. The President of Nigeria is equally not happy.”

He urged residents to support President Tinubu and the APC, saying that collaboration with the government would help restore stability and drive progress in Plateau State.