The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has convened a peace meeting with stakeholders ahead of Christmas and new year festivities in Plateau.
Abubakar, who doubles as the Commander, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), organised the event on Tuesday in Jos.
It had the theme “Toward a Successful Harvest Season and Harmonious Yuletide in Plateau”.
Abubakar said that the activity was targeted at ensuring a secured and successful harvest season in the state.
The GOC added that the meeting was organised to consolidate on the successes recorded in the recent past due to similar engagement.
“This meeting is timely because criminal elements take advantage of the yuletide season to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.
“You will recall that a similar engagement was organised in June to ensure a successful farming season and the outcome resulted in improved security and minimal farm destructions.
“So, this meeting is to build on the gains recorded, particularly as we prepare for the yuletide and harvest season.
“Through our robust engagement, records has it that farm destruction has reduced by 40 per cent compared to the previous years,” he said
Abubakar, who warned criminal elements to desist from crimes, said that the security agencies had adopted proactive measures to nip all security challenges in the bud.
“Let me take this opportunity to warn criminal elements planning to cause trouble in the state, particularly during this festive season. They need to have a rethink.
“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has approved the deployment of more troops to the state. Other security agencies have done sane.
“So, we are better equipped and ready to contain all criminal elements that will want to cause mayhem and disrupt the yuletide and the harvest season.
“Anyone, who wants to threaten the peace of Plateau, will be hunted down,” he warned.
The GOC, however, called on the traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, youths and women groups, and other stakeholders to promote peace in their various communities.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Mr Titus Alams, former Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, thanked the GOC for organising the meeting
Mutfwang, who thanked all the security agencies for their support, said his administration was determined to promote lasting peace in all parts of the state.
The governor, who called on residents of the state to support his adminstration’s peace efforts, promised to be a just and fair leader.(NAN)
