…“in the interest of peace and security.”
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged the people of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State to embrace one another and unite towards the realisation of peace and security in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff was speaking during his Bokkos visit, following recent attack on the community. He held a robust engagement in a Town Hall meeting with community leaders and critical stakeholders in Bokkos on Monday in an effort to find enduring peace in the area and its environ.
According to him, “Without peace and harmony, the state would be devoid of any form of development and progress,” he said, while pointed out that “Security forces alone cannot eradicate security threats in the communities without the cooperation and support of the inhabitants.”
He called on the people to close ranks with security operatives in the state and collaborate amongst themselves so as to enhance proactive detection and eliminate security threats in their communities, in order to avert senseless loss of lives.
The COAS further assured that the perpetrators of the heinous crime against defenseless civilians would be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Speaking earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, who also doubles as Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major-General Folusho Oyinlola, warned that any further attacks on innocent civilians, destruction of property, or acts of violence would be “decisively quelled.”
He maintained that, while security forces will continue to do everything within their mandate to ensure the safety of lives and property, it must be acknowledged that sustainable peace is a collective responsibility, which requires commitment from every stakeholder.
The GOC observed that, violence has never solved any problem but rather leads to more pain, destruction, and hate, and enjoined religious leaders, traditional rulers, youths, and women leaders to have the moral courage to resist and speak out against those inciting violence, irrespective of their status.
Also speaking, the Chairman Bokos Local Government, Hon. Amalau Samuel, who appreciated the efforts of the security forces in stemming the spate of killings by the assailants, appreciated the COAS for visiting Bokkos for the Town Hall engagement with them at such a critical time.
The chairman, alongside other speakers, cut across the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jamaatu Nasril Islam, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Bokkos Youth and Women Associations leadership, among others, all committed to working for peace to reign in the land.