Chief of Defence Staff, Fact-Finding Team Engages Plateau Stakeholders to Address Prolonged Crisis
Chief of Defence Staff, Fact-Finding Team Engages Plateau Stakeholders to Address Prolonged Crisis
Chief of Defence Staff, Fact-Finding Team Engages Plateau Stakeholders to Address Prolonged Crisis
A fact-finding team, led by Major General Augustine Agundu (Rtd) and formed by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa (CDS), convened a critical meeting with key stakeholders in Plateau State.
Held at the 3 Division Auditorium in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, the gathering included representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), local Fulani community, and other residents.
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The seven-member team aims to gather insights on the ground and formulate effective strategies to resolve the long-standing conflicts in the state.
The meeting sought input and advice from federal and state governments, as well as the military, to decisively halt the crisis.
Major General Agundu, in his opening speech, emphasised the necessity of unity, denouncement of criminal activities, and the paramount importance of honesty in achieving the desired peace. “I want to encourage political leaders to utilise conciliatory language in public engagements.”
Key stakeholders expressed the urgent need to strengthen the judicial system, expedite justice delivery, and establish a special court as a deterrent to potential criminals. They called for the integration of followers from both Islamic and Christian religions to facilitate effective peace-building processes.
The stakeholders condemned isolated killings and urged the Plateau government to mediate between warring factions using a comprehensive approach.
Concerned about the influx of sophisticated weapons, stakeholders urged the government to prevent it through identified channels. Reverend Father Polycap Lubo and Alhaji Dr Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, representing CAN and JNI respectively, condemned religious profiling and ethnic stereotyping, emphasising individual determination to end the crisis.
They recommended enhancing traditional institutions for addressing security concerns and apprehending individuals perpetuating the conflict.
The fact-finding team visited Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi local government areas, engaged with security agencies, and visited communities affected by recent attacks.
Chief of Defence Staff, Fact-Finding Team Engages Plateau Stakeholders to Address Prolonged Crisis
