From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his approval of the establishment of a military barrack in Bokkos local government area of Plateau State.
The spate of ethno religious crises in Barakin Ladi, Bokkos , Mangu and Jos South and Riyom local government areas had resulted to killings and destruction of properties, which necessitated the President directing the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, to coordinate the implementation of the initiative to address the security challenges facing Plateau and other contiguous states.
Following the request by the former governor who is an indigene of Mushere in Bokkos, the CDS had directed that the barracks be located at Miller Farm (Gads Buy) in the Mbar District of Bokkos local council .
Dariye, speaking with newsmen in Jos, expressed angst at the recent killings in parts of the state in recent times, describing them as quite alarming.
According to him, the barrack, if established, would equally serve the neighboring state of Nasarawa because of the proximity of the site, adding that once in operation, there will be a swift response to any attack in the area.
He added that a similar initiative was taken during his tenure as governor of the state.
The former governor debunked the notion that the land where the barracks will be established is in contention, adding that the issues at stake concerning the land are being resolved with the state government.
“Just as the state government is not sleeping over these serial attacks on our communities, we, the citizens, are equally not resting on how to find solutions to the ugly development because it is worrisome and disheartening to see people being killed.
“This initiative is crucial; once in operation, the barracks will enable the military men to respond on time in case of any attack on villages and communities in these local governments,” he said.
Dariye, who represented Plateau Central in the last senate, therefore implored citizens of the state, irrespective of creed or religious affiliation, to live in peace and harmony with one another and imbibe the spirit of tolerance.