Photo: the CDS and others at the meeting
CDS urges Plateau citizens to synergize with security agencies to achieve peace
The Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor has called on the citizens of Plateau State to collaborate with security forces deployed in the state in order to achieve peace in the state.
The CDS stated this in Jos on Wednesday during a meeting with critical stakeholders in the state held at the New Government House in Little Rayfield.
A statement from Simon Macham, Lalong’s spokesman on Wednesday in Jos said Irabor visited Plateau State to assess the security situation and interact with key stakeholders on how to ensure lasting peace in the State.
He appealed to the people to cultivate trust with the Armed Forces and use all necessary channels to report any misconduct from the lowest to the highest level.
Gen Irabor said that peace was only obtainable when the citizens make deliberate efforts to live with one another, adhere to norms, and laws as well as expose criminals amongst them.
The CDS also assured that no personnel will be allowed to go away with any act that runs contrary to the regulations of the Armed Forces.
Gen. Irabor said the meeting would afford him the opportunity to listen to the concerns and suggestions of all participants on the way forward.
The CDS explained that he was in the State as part of the mandate from President Muhammadu Buhari for the Armed Forces to do everything within their schedule of duty to ensure that perpetrators were fished out and such attacks do not happen again.
He explained that the military could work to confront criminal elements working against the security of lives and properties.
The CDS also clarified the merging of the duties of Operation Safe Haven and the 3rd Armoured Division.
He further explained that the merger was done to give the Commander wider latitude and resources to deploy whenever there is any emergency, adding that it was a great advantage which must not be misconstrued.
Earlier, the CDS paid a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Lalong before proceeding to the venue of the stakeholders meeting.
Governor Simon Lalong while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern over the recent developments in the State, welcomed the CDS for his visit.
He said the situation had been stabilised but more work needed to be done both in terms of law enforcement and peace building.
The Governor reiterated that the people of Plateau State were peace loving and accommodating, and wished to have stability to pursue their living peacefully.
