by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Following the persistent attacks in Mangu local government area of Plateau State, the Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (COPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3rd Armoured Division Nigerian Army (NA), Rukuba near Jos, Major-General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has assured the people of Mangu local government area of his commitment to end the lingering crisis in Mangu and Plateau at large.
He gave the assurance on Monday during a peace resolution meeting held with stakeholders from Mwaghavul and Fulani, in order to find a lasting solution to series of security challenges in Mangu local government area of the state.
While giving both sides the privilege to voice out their grievances to find out what led to the attacks and subsequent reprisal attacks that have lasted 3 months, the GOC urged both parties to embrace peace for development to thrive in Mangu.
Maj-Gen Abubakar also pleaded with them to sheath their swords as a welcome gift to him on the Plateau, while promising to take the meeting to people in the remote areas (or grassroots) that are affected.
According to him, while the youths would be sensitized on the need to embrace peace, he advised the stakeholders to take the message home to their people.
The Commander further assured of the President’s and State Governor’s willingness to ensure the situation is brought to an end and their resolve to compensate those affected by the crisis, in order to mitigate the impact of the crisis on them.
Speaking earlier, Chairman Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Markus Artu, thanked the Commander for initiating a stakeholders meeting at this critical period and for remaining in Mangu to make sure peace is returned to the general area.
He urged both parties to embrace peace and also take the Commander’s promises to heart for the sacrifice he had made – by relocating to Mangu – to restore normalcy.
