By, giwa alex, Jos
In a bid to finding a lasting solution to the resurgence of hostilities in some communities on the Plateau, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim today 20 June 2023, held a meeting with stakeholders from Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, at Headquarters OPSH Jos, where he made a loud call for sincere commitment of all the stakeholders to peaceful coexistence in the state.
The GOC/Comd OPSH noted that, the root causes of the crises on the Plateau that have lasted over 20years must be identified and addressed holistically. He decried the rate at which human lives are being wasted over trivial issues that could have been resolved through dialogue. He advocated for a strict legislation that would keep the people in check for good behavior. “How long shall we continue killing ourselves for no reason,” he noted.
Major General Ibrahim further cautioned against making unguided statements about security agents, who are working tirelessly to savage the situations and ensure normalcy is restored in the affected communities. He asked the general public to continually support security agencies so they could deliver effectively on their mandates. He stated further that solving security challenges must be a collective responsibility of every individual and must be with all sincerity of purpose.
The stakeholders who spoke during the meeting appreciated the work and sacrifice of security personnel on the Plateau and criticized those making unfounded statements against the security agencies. They identified deep misconceptions on the part of the people as the root cause of the crises and called for frequent dialogue between the people and security agencies in order to proffer lasting solutions to the lingering conflict.
The stakeholders also urged security agencies to be diplomatic in engaging with the people and deal decisively with those fomenting trouble in society. They pledged to continually cooperate with security forces.
The speakers further suggested that stringent measures be taken against anyone found destroying crops and properties, rustling or killing cows. They also identified harbouring of criminals and youths involvement in drugs as factors responsible for the resurgence of hostilities in the affected areas.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, youth leaders and women leaders, as well as religious leaders from Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas.
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