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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa (CDS), has constituted a fact-finding team to find a lasting solution to the internecine communal strife in Plateau state.
The seven-man team is headed by a former commander of Operations Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj Gen Augustine Agundu (rtd). Already the team has swung into action, meeting with key stakeholders in Plateau state to seek viable solutions in bringing an end to the long-standing crises. The meeting was held at the 3 Division Auditorium Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, and attended by representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), local Fulani community, and other local residents. The team, according to the Media Officer of OPSH, Capt. Oya James, was formed to gather on-the-ground insights and formulate effective strategies to resolve the prolonged conflict in the state. The meeting was also aimed to seek input and advice from the federal and state governments, as well as the military, on how to conclusively halt the crisis.
Agundu, at the meeting emphasized the necessity of unity, denouncement of criminal activities and the paramount importance of honesty in achieving the desired peace. He also encouraged political leaders to utilize conciliatory language and tones during their public engagements.
James quoted key stakeholders who spoke at the meeting as expressing the urgent need to strengthen the judicial system and expedite justice delivery through the establishment of a special court as a deterrent to potential criminals. They stressed the essential integration of followers from both the Islamic and Christian religions to facilitate effective peace-building processes by the state.
In separate remarks, Reverend Father Polycap Lubo, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State chapter, and Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, Chairman of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam Plateau State chapter, vehemently condemned religious profiling and the stereotyping of any ethnic group as criminals.
The fact-finding team also toured Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi local government areas, as well as the headquarters of security agencies operating in the state, where they engaged with critical stakeholders as well as communities affected by recent attacks.
