By Matthew Eloyi
Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism, Insurgency, and Terrorism (BRAVE-IT), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting peace and stability, has cautioned Nigerians against spreading misinformation and destabilizing the polity.
In a statement on Sunday, Director of Corporate Communications Lawrence Audu said, some misguided individuals have been circulating old video contents of incidents from other states and even other countries on social media to misinform the public, which can lead to harm and chaos.
“We urge Nigerians to be cautious of false information and to verify facts before sharing. Spreading misinformation can escalate unnecessary tensions leading to instability, which can be detrimental to our collective security,” Audu said.
BRAVE-IT also condemned the persistent unprovoked attacks on troops carrying out legitimate duties in Plateau State, particularly in Bokkos Local Government Area where women are incited to place blockade against troops during operations. “These attacks are unacceptable and put our troops in danger. We call on those responsible to cease these attacks immediately and to allow our troops to perform their duties without hindrance.”
Despite these challenges, BRAVE-IT commended the military’s efforts in Plateau State, particularly the non-kinetic operations aimed at bringing lasting peace to the state. “We pass a vote of confidence on the military operating in Plateau State and urge them to continue their good work,” Audu said.
The organization specifically passed a vote of confidence on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his dynamic and visionary leadership, which has yielded significant successes against agents of destabilization nationwide.
BRAVE-IT also recognized and acknowledged the astute and charismatic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja which has transformed the Nigerian Army into a highly motivated force. “This has enhanced the professional conduct of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army as reflected in the synergy between the military and other security agencies in Plateau State and other parts of the country”, Audu stated.
“We recognize the sacrifices made by our troops and security agencies in their efforts to keep our country safe,” Audu said. “We will continue to support their efforts and promote peaceful and stable communities.”
BRAVE-IT also commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for his wisdom in handling the dispute between farmers and herders as well as several stakeholders engagements and other non kinetic lines of operation. His efforts have led to relative peace on the Plateau, and BRAVE-IT urges other stakeholders, particularly the state government, to sustain these initiatives in working with affected communities to return natives from IDP camps back to their communities and find a way to return the Fulani community too. It is also desirable for stakeholders to put mechanism in place to prevent clashes between farmers and herders in the State.
“We have observed skill acquisition as a viable option for resettlement and rehabilitation as a way to move from arms to skills. Sadly both the State, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as well as the National Directorate of Employment NDE, the INGO, NGOs have failed in this regard. We therefore urge these stakeholders to stop complaining, writing petitions and do the needful.”
BRAVE-IT also thanked the international Christian community and partners who have contributed relief materials to the IDPs, but emphasized that the focus should not only be on providing food items but also on returning the IDPs back home.
“We urge Nigerians to join hands in building a peaceful and stable society, where everyone can thrive without fear of violence or extremism,” Audu said.