By; ƁUHARI B. BELLO, Jos
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, has visited heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders in a bid to solidify the mandate of the Nigerian military in ending criminality and restoring permanent peace to troubled communities in Plateau State and the country at large.
In separate courtesy visits to heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders in Jos, the Plateau state capital, the Commander emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence as a way of promoting peace in the society.
He disclosed that the importance of peace to community growth and development cannot be overemphasized. He maintained that religious tolerance plays an important role in determining the unity of people of diverse backgrounds.
Major General Ibrahim who urged the religious leaders to continually educate their followers on the importance of peace, asked for spiritual blessings from the religious leaders to enable him carry out his responsibilities of maintaining peace and safeguarding of lives and property of Plateau residents.
The commander called on the security heads to sustain the existing relationship between their agencies and OPSH, and vowed to be neutral in the discharge of his obligation.
Speaking during one of the visits, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, said the Commander’s remark gives hope to the Christian body.
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He lauded the efforts of past commanders of Operation SAFE HAVEN in ensuring lasting peace is restored in Plateau state and environs.
Reverend Father Lubo encouraged the Commander to stand on his principle of fairness and justice.
He suggested that military personnel wherever they are deployed should have good relationship with their traditional rulers for intelligence gathering and smooth conduct of operations.
Furthermore, the CAN chairman prayed for the success of the Commander; praying almighty God to order his footsteps in making meaningful decisions that would bring permanent peace to the state.
Corroborating the statement made by the CAN chairman, the secretary, Jamaatu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State chapter, Alhaji Musa Umar, who represented the State Chairman cautioned community leaders against inciting violence in their locality.
He called on relevant stakeholders in the corridor of peace to assist security agencies to eradicate criminality and help restore sanity to the society.
On his part, the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, believed that there can never be peace without justice.
He assured the commander of the support of the Plateau state traditional council in carrying out his duties of securing lives and property in the state. He also appreciated the security agencies for their sacrifice and commitment to a secured society.
The security agencies visited include; The State Security Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Enforcement Agency among others.
