The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali has again stressed the need for peaceful coexistence in society. The commander made this remark at the IS ALI 15 kilometer peace and unity marathon competition in Mangu local government area of Plateau state.

The commander represented by the Deputy Commander OPSH, DCP Mohammad Rabiu said the competition was a noble initiative aimed at driving the peace process in the state. He called for harmonious living among people of different tribes, noting that OPSH would replicate the competition in other LGAs to foster unity. He also affirmed the competition would assist in the fight against insecurity.

Maj Gen Ali, commended community leaders in Mangu LGA for championing the peace process that has paved the way for peace in their domain. While urging the people to be ambassadors of peace, the commander tasked them to support OPSH by providing useful information on miscreants to security agencies for quick response.

Furthermore, the commander described sports as a unifying force and urged the people to imbibe major lessons of sports such as teamwork and discipline in the advancement of social cohesion, mutual respect and religious tolerance.

“Sports have long been used to heal wound among nations. Because irrespective of age, gender, social status and religious background, sports is enjoyed by all, the reason why we all converge on this ground to participate in this all important event,” the commander said.

He reassured the people that OPSH will continue to remain impartial in carrying out its mandate of protecting the lives and property of law abiding citizens.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander Forward Operation Base (FOB) Mangu, Col Salliu Adamu, said the marathon competition was organised to promote peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious groups, and to encourage physical fitness. He said the competition has provided youths across religious lines the opportunity to regardless of their differences.

The FOB commander congratulated the athletes for participating in the competition, despite rumor of crisis making the rounds in the LGA. He urged the people not to be discouraged by merchants of crisis peddling unfounded rumor of attacks on innocent communities.

He lauded commander OPSH, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali for his dynamic leadership and positive disposition in using sporting activities to sustain peace in the state. He therefore warned communities against harbouring criminals, noting that peace was essential for development.

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OPSH Commander, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali Harps on Peaceful Coexistence, Presents Trophy to Winners of His Marathon Competition in Mangu