Operation Rainbow Organizes Roundtable Dialogue for Communities in Jos North LGA

In its commitment and quest to achieve a peaceful, secured and safer society, the Plateau State Security Outfit, Operation Rainbow whose mandate is to strengthen the security network in the State for sustainable peace, security and economic development today brought together stakeholders comprising of Community Leaders, Opinion Leaders, Clergies, Youth and Women from Congo-Russia and Mabubula Communities of Jos North LGA to a dialogue session with the theme “community participation on peace and security”

In her remarks, the Director of Administration Operation Rainbow, Mrs. Keziah I. Dung said the essence of the meeting was to provide a result-oriented platform for engaging effectively with communities to engender unity, peace and security in the State.
Mrs. Keziah said the aim was also in line with the cardinal mission of the outfit which is “to ensure enduring peace and security of lives and property on the Plateau through the process of proper articulation and deployment of all embracing measures that would adequately address and contain the democratic values and rule of law issues that have potentials of leading to crisis in the State”
She lauded Governor Simon Lalong for the efforts his administration is putting to achieve peace in the State, for establishing the Outpost and Surveillance Centre of the Outfit at Dutse Uku, Jos North LGA aim at providing rapid response in any case of breakdown of law and order and the supports being accorded the Outfit.
She posited that it is better to be proactive by taking preventive steps than to be reactive to insecurity saying no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of violence, chaos and insecurity.

“All citizens have roles to play in promoting unity, peace & security”
“We all have roles to play for a peaceful, secured and safe society”
“It is better to be more proactive to prevent crisis than to send security personnel to war zone” she said.
She said the target is to engage communities within Jos Metropolis considered to be flashpoints and further said same initiative will be extended in the Local Government Areas across the State since it is yielding positive results.

She said it is a monthly activity and so far 6 Communities have been covered even as the outfit intend to cover more flashpoints.

She urged the participants to trickle-down what they have learned to their various communities.
“The trickle-down effect of the meeting is vital” she concluded.

Superintendent of Police, Rev. Dastu R. Ring-le while presenting his paper on “Drug Abuse and Cultism as threats to Peace & Security in our Communities” said Drug abuse and cultism causes disturbance to public peace & security, leads to unproductive/wasted life to those who indulge in them.

Rev. Dastu said Drug addicts and cultists have no regards for moral values urging parents not to fail in their parental responsibilities of raising their children in the right path.
He disclosed that drug abuse (hard substances) has affected many and still killing numerous persons. He said abuse of drugs has adverse impacts on the people such mental disorder, poor health and can shortens one’s life.

In her presentation, Haj. Fati Aliyu who spoke on “The Youth and Peaceful Co-existence in the Community” frowned at how children are used for violence instead of being used to promote peaceful coexistence and harmonious living in the society. She said parents should train their children the right way, teach them how to love and bequeath the right legacies, especially right moral & godly virtues to them.

She challenged the youths not to allow themselves to be used for violence, political thuggery and other obnoxious activities instead they should develop themselves to be useful to the society.
She said there is need for genuine love, tolerance, mutual respect and understanding among the people saying peace and unity in our homes will translate to the society and be felt by all.
She harped on the need for parents to avoid violence and use of foul languages at home which could be emulated by their wards.

Haj. Fati admonished Parents to monitor their children and give them the appropriate guidance to prosper and achieve their full potentials. “Don’t give them arms (AK-47), give them education & good morals” she said.

She said fear, insecurity and suspicion have increased astronomically in the society which has led to tension and unprovoked/unnecessary attacks. She urged the participants to preach and live peaceably with one another irrespective of religious, ethnic, political and other inclinations.
She commended Operation Rainbow for the initiative which she described as laudable and impressive saying the ripple impact on peace and security is massive. She urged other security outfits to emulate the initiative in order to achieve peaceful co-existence and unity.

Speaking on the topic “the role of community Leaders in Achieving internal security and community dialogue” Mr. Panan Gongden urged Community Leaders to live up to their responsibilities in complimenting government roles in providing adequate security.

He said the roles of community Leaders in enhancing internal security cannot be overstressed.

Mr. Panan said the recent security challenge in Nigeria has spur government into acknowledging and appreciating the role community leaders play in the maintenance of internal peace & security.
He said the nationwide outcry for community policing system is aimed at soliciting the support and cooperation of community leaders and their subjects toward fighting crimes within the communities.

He said Arm banditry, kidnapping and violence crisis are being perpetrated by People from the communities, yet same persons are being condoned and provided cover in communities, a situation he said is unpalatable, sad and very destructive.

There were question/answers sessions, group discussion and presentation on the theme.

Some participants, Promise Matthew Ayisa and Zakari Lawal who spoke after the dialogue session appreciated Operation Rainbow for providing the avenue to be educated on how to love one another, to tolerate, respect each other dignity/religion, how prevent and avoid crisis as well as promote peaceful co-existence.
They promised to first domesticate what they learn in their homes as well as step down same to those in their communities & beyond.

The roundtable discussion held in the Conference/Dialogue Hall of Operation Rainbow Outpost and Surveillance Centre at Dutse Uku Jos North LGA, Plateau State with strict adherence to COVID-19 Health Protocols.