Yakubu Busari, Jos
The Defence Headquarters of the Nigerian Army has deployed a team on a fact finding mission to Plateau State with the aim to access the situation that led to the death of helpless civilians in communities during the recent clashes between suspected herders and farmers.
Addressing stakeholders at the instance of the team, led by the Chief of Training and Operation, Defence Headquarters Abuja, Major General Ahmed Mohammed, the Army boss said the team is in Jos on a fact finding mission.
He said, “this is the first time a team is coming from the defence headquarters to actually find out the root cause of the problem between the waring communities.
“It is also a fact finding visit that will also be used to appraise the performance of security agencies on ground, seeking to know if they are really doing what is expected of them and if there are other things that we need to do to make them more potent.
“We are also going to collaborate with the State government, stating our position based on what we have found out, aimed at putting a lasting solution to the lingering problem”.
Gen. Mohammed said that his meeting with the stakeholders was productive and that the Army will mobilise all within it’s power to ensure that the civil unrest bedevilling the State is brought to a halt.
“All stakeholders have given their words to cooperate with the security agencies and also among themselves; so we are hopeful to see them leave in peace”, he said.
On his part, the Director General, Plateau Peace Building Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengmang, lauded the Defence Headquarters for the initiative of coming down to Jos to discuss with stakeholders on the burning issues bordering on security.
Lengmang said that the gesture will enable the affected communities feel the impact of governance in terms of response to the emerging security situation in the state, adding that it shows that government is working hard to get to the root of the problem.
The stakeholders meeting was attend by all religious bodies, civil society organisation, security agencies and the affected communities.
