In his efforts to ensure the actualization of lasting peace the Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru has charged Nigerians to eschew violence and embrace peaceful coexistence.
He made this known at the 3 Division Nigerian Army Auditorium Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Rukuba Barracks Jos, Plateau State during an engagement with critical Stakeholders comprising of Local Government Council Chairmen, religious Leaders, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders and Youth Leaders from Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Bokkos and Wase Local Government Areas, Plateau State.
He expressed displeasure over the perennial attacks in some communities of Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas that led to the killing of several persons, a situation he said are avoidable.
He identified farm destruction, cattle rustling, night/underage grazing, killing and poisoning of cattle as major triggers to the incessant attacks that have led to the loss of precious and innocent lives.
He admonished the People to avoid tendencies that are inimical to peaceful coexistence and capable of igniting violence at all times.
He charged the stakeholders to desist from lip-service and proffer realistic solutions to end the age long insecurity bedeviling the State.
He applauded the security agencies under the leadership of Major General Abubakar Abdulsalam the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Jos/Commander Operation Safe Haven and his personnel for the commendable job they are doing to restore peace on the Plateau and other parts in their Joint Operation Area. He charged them to do more to completely wipe our the criminal elements terrorizing the State and Nation by extension in order to achieve a more peaceful State and Nation.
“I extend my thanks to the police, security agencies, and everyone involved. However, the job is far from over. We must encourage them to persist in finding a lasting solution for peace in Plateau.
“We had a frank and open discussion with all the stakeholders, and being a representative of Federal Government, acting on the mandate of President Ahmed Tinubu, I can assured you were going to look into the recommendations and come up with lasting solutions”, he added.
The Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by the Special Adviser on Security and the Commander of Plateau State Operation Rainbow, Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi expressed delight with the fruitful discussion, noting there is light at the end of the tunnel. He also lauded the efforts being put in place by Operation Safe Haven and other sister security outfits in the State to rid the State of criminal elements and activities of men of the underworld.
He assured of Government commitment and readiness to provide the needed support for the security agencies to perform their duties of securing the State optimally.
General Officer commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar appreciated Defence minister for coming to dialogue with stakeholders in respect of the insecurity in the State Plateau and also commended his unwavering commitment toward ensuring that a peaceful and prosperous Nation is achieved.
He assured that the command under his watch will continue exploring all avenues within their area of joint operations, using both kinetic and non kinetic means to enhance a safer, secured, and prosperous Plateau.
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