Rising from a high-powered Meeting with Stakeholders from Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar has said their goal is to achieve lasting peace in the troubled State which over the Years has witnessed series of attacks that often led to lost of lives and property. The Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the Conference Hall of the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Rukuba Barracks Plateau State.
The top Army Officer hinted that the engagement was aimed at addressing the recent security concerns and civil disturbances in some parts of Mangu and Bokkos LGAs in Plateau State.
He equivocally expressed his displeasure over the growing insecurity and animosity among the People in some parts of the State following the security breach that occured.
He also expressed concern on plans by some criminal elements to ensure farming did not take this Year and the continuous rustling of cattle.
He said with sincerity all differences can be resolved.
The engagement is to nip the insecurity and restore peace.
“If peace is not achieved, the resettlement programme of the government cannot be achieved.
“Plans are underway to rebuild some sacked communities.
“Most of the criminals are inhabitants of our community and doing that for their selfish motives”
He said all hands must be on deck to stop the madness once and for all.
In his words “We must find a common ground to forge ahead
We have not rested on our oars for over two weeks since the renewed attacks in order to de-escalate the insecurity”.
He highlighted indiscriminate/underage grazing, cattle rustling, poisoning of cattle and destruction of farmlands as major triggers to violence.
He frowned at attacks on security personnel who are working to protect the Citizens by certain persons stating that henceforth using Women to protest and attack security personnel would no longer be tolerated saying stringent actions will be taken on people who attack personnel of Operation Safe Haven and called for a permanent end to that ugly trend. He said following the attacks at the Plateau State University, the Military was able to recovered 2 motorcycles and 3 AK-47.
He urged the public to avoid rumour-mongering and fake news which according to him have the propensity of inciting more violence.
“Rod will not be spared when personnel erred.
Discipline and Professionalism remain our watch words without partiality or any form of favoritism”.
He promised that justice will be served on the alleged killing of a citizen by an Army celebrating his birthday at Bokkos. He frowned at the activities of mischief makers fueling crisis. According to him, certain persons are shaping perception for their selfish interests. He urged all to be sincere and embrace peace by walking the talk to find lasting solutions to the security challenges.
Chief Ephraim Usman the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs who represented the Executive Governor of Plateau State averred that government will leave no stone unturned to ensure peace and order is restored on the Plateau as a responsible Government.
He hinted that government is working round the clock to build and restore the lost trust and confidence among the people on account of the attacks and killings.
He cited poverty and lack of education as partly responsible for the insecurity bedeviling the Nation. He disclosed that insecurity is a national scourge which if not urgently addressed may consume the Nation.
“Crisis Merchants are benefiting from the hostility at the detriment of the People.
“Having been overwhelmingly voted, the government is committed to meeting its Cardinal responsibility of protecting lives and property of the Citizens” he said.
He called for periodic psychological evaluation of Military personnel to check untoward tendencies.
Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Mangu Local Government Council, Hon. Markus Artu and his Bokkos Counterpart, Hon. Monday Kassah assured the GOC of their support towards the restoration of peace in their localities.
Chairman Chief of Defence Staff Fact-finding Committee, Maj. Gen. CC Okonkwo (Rtd) and others who spoke urged the People to be united and allow peace to reign.
In their separate remarks, Representatives from the two Local Government Areas and other Stakeholders said Cattle rustling, isolated killings and indiscriminate grazing should stop. They emphasized on the need for sincerity of purpose, genuine reconciliation, dialogue and forgiveness for peace to be attained.
They said there is urgent need for humanitarian intervention to the people and need for technology-aided security surveillance to assist in tackling insecurity.
The meeting was attended Traditional Rulers, religious Leaders, Community-based organizations, Youth Leaders, Women Leaders, Dean Student Affairs of Plateau State University Bokkos, Student Representatives and Students of the Institution.
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