by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: The Plateau State Headquarters of 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has urged all citizens of Plateau to learn to forgive one another of real or perceived grievances, avoid rancour and also advise their wards to always seek peaceful resolution to crisis and follow established procedures to address their grievances.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major-General A.E. Abubakar, disclosed this during a stakeholders meeting with community leaders from Fann District, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday at the Headquarters 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.
The meeting was geared towards fashioning modalities to deal with the increasing spate of criminalities, including arms proliferation and cattle rustling in Fan District.
It would be recalled that, 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN recently concluded a follow-up operation in Fann District, following the killing of an officer of OPSH during a raid at gunrunners’ hideout at Sangasa on 10 July, 2024, leading to the recovery of over 30 assorted weapons as well as military accoutrements.
Speaking earlier, Major-General Abubakar expressed displeasure over the continuous acts of a select few individuals in Fan District, which have culminated in loss of lives and property, despite efforts to checkmate the ugly trend.
He further pointed out that the criminals perpetrating the violence and criminalities in Fann District hibernate within the communities and some are well known to the community members.
While emphasizing the negative impact of criminal activities on the stability and security of the district, he noted that “These criminals were perpetrating these acts for their personal interest and not for the benefit of the community.”
He further noted that the criminals attempt to give ethno-religious colorations to security situation in the area to incite people to create a favourable condition for their selfish agenda to thrive.
In their separate remarks, the Gwom Rwei of Gwol, Da Edward Gyang, the Gwom Rwei of Fan, HRH Iliya Dashwei and the Honourable Member, Plateau State House of Assembly representing Barkin Ladi Constituency, Hon. Dickson Chollom acknowledged that the communities in Fan District have not done enough in their responsibility of guiding their children with good morals.
They also apologized for the ugly incident and promised that the perpetrators of criminalities in Fan would be fished out, and they also solicited for continuous engagement and appreciated the efforts of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN for accepting to meet with stakeholders from the district towards achieving lasting peace in Fan District.
Also, the President Berom Youth Moulder Association, Barr. Solomon Dalyop, on his part also appreciated the kind gesture of Comd OPSH/ GOC 3 Division for his efforts towards ensuring safety of lives and property on the people of Plateau.
He also promised to work with youths in the state to support the efforts of troops and other security agencies in their efforts to rid the state of criminalities.
The stakeholders’ meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to intensify efforts in combating the criminal elements responsible for perpetrating violence in the area.