In a remarkable display of gratitude and appreciation, a delegation comprising esteemed traditional leaders and distinguished sons of Mwaghavul Nation has paid a visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Maj Gen AE Abubakar. The purpose of their visit was to express their heartfelt thanks to the Nigerian Military, the GOC and personnel of OPSH for their unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and selfless service in restoring peace not only to the Mangu people but also to the entire Plateau State and its environs.

The leader of the delegation, the District Head of Mangul, His Royal Highness, Job Ali Damiyel in his remarks reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the existing relationship between the troops and the Mangu elders, recognizing that lasting peace in Mangu and by extension, Plateau State can only be achieved through collaboration and mutual support. He emphasized that the people of the area can now sleep with both eyes closed, as the restoration of peace has brought tremendous relief to the communities.

Revealing that the team was sent by the Paramount Ruler of Mwaghavul Nation, His Royal Majesty Da John Putman Hirse, the district head noted that the Mangu area had long been renowned for its peaceful coexistence until it was disrupted earlier in 2023. He however, acknowledged that the arrival of Maj Gen AE Abubakar had played a pivotal role in swiftly restoring sanity to the entire local government. He further affirmed that the people are ardent proponents of peace and have wholeheartedly embraced peaceful coexistence.

In his response, the GOC and Commander OPSH, Maj Gen AE Abubakar, expressed his profound gratitude for the unprecedented and overwhelming visit. While acknowledging that it was a rare occurrence for people to openly appreciate the efforts of the troops, the GOC considered the visit a testament to the remarkable sacrifices made by the troops, which had not gone unnoticed by the community leaders. He assured the delegation that personnel would continue to give their utmost best to ensure the maintenance of peace and security in the region.

The GOC and Commander OPSH further remarked that he will remain resolute in his commitment to upholding peace and security, as he extend his sincere appreciation to the traditional leaders and illustrious sons of Mwaghavul Nation for their unwavering support and recognition of the troops’ tireless efforts.

General Abubakar emphasized his dedication to collaborating with community leaders and the youth in the ongoing fight against criminality. He stressed the need for a collective effort to remove criminals from communities, thereby promoting peace and harmony. He further made it clear that the killing of the Ardo of Panyam was not an action endorsed by the Panyam Community but rather, an isolated act of criminality perpetrated by a few individuals. He further shared his plans to continue to work closely with the State Government and relevant stakeholders to facilitate the safe and immediate return of displaced communities to their ancestral lands.

While expressing his gratitude to the Governor of Kaduna State for approving building materials for 15 communities, encompassing both the Atiyap and Fulani groups who have been identified and are ready to be resettled in Southern Kaduna, the GOC announced that a similar initiative was underway for the displaced communities in Plateau especially Mangu Local Government. He remarked that highly placed personalities will soon visit Mangu area to commission the Water project, Health facilities and School facilities provided by the military in preparation for the successful return of the displaced communities.

Highlighting the achievements of the military in combating criminal elements in the region, the GOC noted the successful operations resulting in the arrest and capture of criminals, gun runners and the dismantling of weapon manufacturing facilities in Plateau and Southern Kaduna regions. He, however, cautioned the public to remain vigilant and be wary of individuals who seek to incite and profit from conflict on the Plateau. He encouraged the people of Mangu to engage in dry season and irrigation farming to compensate for the agricultural losses incurred during the rainy season.

He expressed his gratitude to the Paramount Ruler of Mwaghavul Nation, His Royal Majesty Da John Putman Hirse and the delegation for their visit, General Abubakar assured them that the military will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

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Mwaghavul Nation’s Delegation Visits GOC 3 Division, Lauds OPSH Troops