Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), held a meeting with stakeholders from Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State on June 20, 2023, at the headquarters of OPSH Jos. The GOC made a resounding appeal for the stakeholders’ sincere commitment to finding a long-term solution to the resurgence of host
The GOC/Comd OPSH highlighted that in order to effectively resolve the crises on the Plateau, which have persisted for more than 20 years, the underlying causes must be recognized. He bemoaned the frequency with which people are losing their life over unimportant disputes that could have been settled amicably. He argued in favor of severe regulations that would monitor citizens’ activities. How long will we keep killing ourselves without rhyme or reason, he said.
Major General Ibrahim also urged people not to make rash remarks against security personnel who are putting in a lot of effort to control the situation and ensure that normalcy is restored in the impacted areas. He pleaded with the people to continue lending assistance to security organizations so they could successfully carry out their responsibilities. He added that addressing security issues must be everyone’s responsibility and must be done so with the utmost seriousness.
The meeting’s participants praised those who made unjustified accusations against the security agencies while praising the work and sacrifices made by security personnel on the Plateau. They advocated for regular communication between the general public and security organizations in order to propose long-term solutions to the ongoing conflict and recognized fundamental misunderstandings on the side of the populace as the primary source of the crises.
The stakeholders advised security authorities to deal firmly with individuals causing disturbance in society while also being diplomatic in their interactions with the populace. They promised to always work with law enforcement.
The speakers also advocated for tough actions to be taken against anyone caught rustling, killing, or destroying property or crops. As contributing factors to the return of hostilities in the afflicted communities, they also pointed to the harboring of criminals and teenage drug use.
Religious leaders from Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas, as well as traditional leaders, youth and women leaders, attended the ceremony.
