…COAS meets with stakeholders, sues for peace
IGNATIUS OKOROCHA, Abuja
Apparently worried by the recent killings in five communities in Bokkos local government area of Plateau state by unknown gunmen, the Northern Senators Forum has condemned the attack and sympathized with the victims.
In a statement signed by the chairman of the Forum, Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the Forum said,” we hereby condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks on five communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The death toll, which has risen to about 50, with many more injured and missing, doesn’t represent the values we stand for as a nation.
“This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the insecurity that has plagued some parts of our nation, and we can not afford to let it become the new norm.”
The Forum commiserates with the families of the victims, the Plateau State Government, and the people of Plateau State over this tragic incident.
“We also wish to commend the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, for his efforts to restore calm and prevent retaliation between various ethnic groups. His leadership is a beacon of hope in these trying times, and we urge him to continue on this path.
“The Northern Senators Forum renews its commitment to working with the government and security agencies to develop a robust security framework that protects the lives and property of our citizens. We can not afford to fail in this endeavor.
“This recent attack is a wake-up call for all Nigerians. We must come together to build a safer, more secure future for ourselves and future generations. We owe it to the victims of these senseless attacks to act decisively and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We pray for the bereaved families and ask that God grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss. May the bereaved families find comfort in this mourning period,” the Forum said.
…COAS meets with stakeholders, sues for peace
Following the attacks on some communities in Plateau, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has convened a peace meeting with stakeholders in the area.
Oluyede met with the stakeholders on Monday in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, which came under the recent attack.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that on April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Ruwi, Josho, Daffo, Manguna and other communities of the LGA.
More than 40 persons were killed, 383 houses were destroyed, and 1,000 persons were displaced following the attack.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang had described the attacks and killings as a coordinated crime sponsored by conflict merchants and not farmer-herder clashes.
Addressing the stakeholders, Oluyede said that the meeting was part of a Non-kinetic approach towards ensuring peaceful coexistence in Bokkos and environs.
The COAS called on the residents of the locality to be tolerant, forgive each other, and embrace peace at all times.
He promised that troops would continue to be neutral, professional, and fair to all irrespective of tribe and religion.
He, however, said this could only be possible if the people made concerted efforts to cooperate with the authorities.
“The security agencies can deploy battalion of troops to Bokkos, and yet we may not achieve the desired peace.
“The security agencies don’t have the number to deploy personnel to everywhere, so we must learn to coexist together as a people.
“Peace in Bokkos and Plateau is possible, but that can be achieved only when we all agree to eschew violence and embrace peace,” he said.
The COAS also assured the people that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would be arrested and be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The COAS, however, promised to deploy more security personnel to the affected communities to protect lives and property
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), thanked the COAS for organising the meeting.
Oyinlola, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, said that the stakeholders’ engagement was apt, considering the rising security challenges in the locality.
He promised to collaborate with other security agencies towards ensuring a peaceful farming season in the area.
Also speaking, Mr Alo Raymond, the District Head of Manguna, called on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the recent attacks.
Raymond also alleged that the consistent attacks on the communities were geared towards land grabbing.
The district head, who called for deployment of more security personnel to the communities, vowed that the inhabitants would not abandon their land for others to take over.
He also called on the government at all levels to support the more than 1,000 residents displaced as a result of the attacks.
NAN reports that the meeting had in attendance government officials, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, and representatives of youths and women groups
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