A joint summit was organised by the Military Special Task Force in Plateau State on Saturday to educate locals on the importance of maintaining peace and security in their respective areas.
Major General Ibrahim Ali, the task force commander and general officer in charge of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, opened the summit by stating that it was essential for residents to actively participate in maintaining the security of their neighbourhoods in order to put an end to criminal activity and senseless clashes on the Plateau.
He emphasised the necessity of consolidating the recent accomplishments made in stopping attacks and farmer/herder conflicts and cautioned that crisis merchants would not be allowed to seek to undo these advances.
General Ali was astounded by the big turnout and commented that the moment for peace on the plateau had come, as there is a season for everything in life.
While applauding the 26-man committee that Justice Daniel Longji (retired) chaired when the OPSH constituted it to carry out the recommendations of the 36-man Committee on Peace. According to General Ali, the purpose of the seminar was to educate the public on delicate security concerns so that they may decide on a course of action. He stated that the event was significant because it increased the OPSH's efforts to ensure outstanding peace and unity on the Plateau.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 26-man peace implementation committee, Justice Daniel Longji (retd.), in his opening remarks, stated peace was a catalyst for progress and development. He described the sensitisation seminar as another strategy to achieving peaceful resolution between communities and religious groups.
While lauding the untiring efforts of the Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, in ensuring lasting peace was achieved across board, Justice Longji revealed that the seminar would help participants build capacity for immediate and future engagements.
Addressing the participants, the representative of Governor Plateau State, Director of Administration, Plateau Peace Building Agency, Mr Gayi Timothy Gayi commended OPSH for its sustained programme on peace and unity of the state. He urged aggrieved persons to forgive one another and work together on the path of peace.
Highlight of the event were paper presentations on trust and peaceful co-existence by notable resource persons and group photograph.