Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for the return of displaced Nigerians to their ancestral homes and compensation for victims of land grabbing and other injustices, stressing that lasting peace cannot be achieved without justice.
Osinbajo made the call on Monday in Plateau State while speaking at a forum organised by the Justice Research Institute (JRI) in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
The forum, titled “Countering Polarisation and Rebuilding Civic Cohesion in North Central Nigeria Beyond Tribe and Faith, Reclaiming Our Shared Stories,” focused on addressing divisions and promoting peaceful coexistence in the North Central region.
The former vice president identified weaknesses in Nigeria’s justice system and the absence of adequate punishment for criminal acts as major factors contributing to insecurity in the country.
He maintained that individuals responsible for wrongdoing must face clear and enforceable consequences, warning that impunity undermines reconciliation and weakens the foundation of society.
According to him, communities whose lands and villages have been illegally occupied must be restored to their rightful owners, while those who have suffered losses should receive appropriate compensation.
Osinbajo stressed that addressing land disputes and other grievances through established legal procedures would be crucial to rebuilding trust among affected communities.
He also called for urgent reforms in the administration of justice, noting that existing challenges within the system require immediate government intervention.
On reconciliation, the former vice president said efforts to restore peace must be deliberate and genuine, urging government institutions to work with civil society organisations and religious leaders to promote unity.
He cited Rwanda as an example of a country where deliberate efforts by leaders and government helped bring divided communities back together.
Osinbajo further urged Nigerians to reconsider their attitudes towards one another and embrace mutual understanding as a foundation for peaceful coexistence.
Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, described storytelling as an important tool for national reconciliation, noting that the narratives people share about themselves and others can either strengthen solidarity or deepen existing divisions.
Omotayo said stories influence how citizens understand their differences, remember past events and envision a common future, warning that distorted narratives could fuel grievances and hostility.
Similarly, the former Chief Justice and Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage, said conflicts often emerge when people are denied justice, identity and a sense of belonging.
Bage cautioned against narratives that deepen divisions between indigenes and settlers, farmers and herders, or people of different religious backgrounds.
He emphasised the importance of communication and active listening in preventing disputes from escalating into violence, urging communities to create platforms where grievances could be discussed and resolved peacefully.
The speakers stressed that strengthening justice delivery, addressing historical grievances and promoting inclusive dialogue remain essential to rebuilding trust and sustaining peace in North Central Nigeria and other parts of the country.
