By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing security in Plateau State.
This was contained in a statement relayed to Enugu Reporters by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu on Monday.
According to him, during a town hall meeting in Bokkos, Lieutenant General Oluyede engaged with community leaders and stakeholders, urging them to unite in the pursuit of peace and security.
He emphasised that without peace and harmony, the state would be devoid of any form of development and progress.
The COAS stressed that security forces alone cannot eradicate threats without the cooperation and support of local inhabitants. Hence the call on the people to close ranks with security operatives in the state and collaborate amongst themselves to enhance proactive detection and elimination of security threats in their communities, in order to avert senseless loss of lives.
The COAS assured that the perpetrators of the heinous crime against defenseless civilians would be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law.
This statement underscores the Nigerian Army’s resolve to protect the lives and property of citizens and to bring those responsible for violence to justice.
In his remarks , the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who also doubles as Commander Operation Safe Haven, 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.
Major General Oyinlola observed that violence has never solved any problem but rather leads to more pain, destruction, and hate. He enjoined the religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth, 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 of Bokkos Local Government, Honourable Amalau Samuel, appreciated the COAS for visiting Bokkos and engaging with the community at such a critical time.
The Chairman, alongside other speakers representing various groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jamaatu Nasril Islam, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, and Bokkos Youth and Women Associations, committed to working together towards achieving peace in the region.
Enugu Reporters reports that this collaborative approach adopted by Lieutenant General Oluyede is expected to yield positive results, as the community leaders and stakeholders have pledged to work together towards achieving peace in the region.
