The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor said the disruption of peace in Plateau state which recorded loss of lives and massive destruction of properties is not encouraging as it affects the essence of humanity, breaking institutions and relationships.
General Lucky Irabor during a townhall meeting with stakeholders in Jos the Plateau state Capital in central Nigeria said his visit is to condole with the government and people of Plateau state over the resurgence of violence that claimed lives, to listen to the people and hear their views as he puts it “to draw a line and agree that never again will there be loss of lives and properties of citizens”.
The Chief of Defence staff said he came to gain better understanding of the issues outside what is common knowledge, bearing in mind the fact that the military has been in the state for years under operation safe haven.
He told stakeholders made up of elders, women, youth, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders and people living with disabilities that the component of those to bring peace are citizens of the Plateau stating that “as security operatives ours is to provide the enabling environment for peace to reign on the Plateau and we realise that the circle of killing cannot continue, especially just when an enduring peace is being sustained.
General Lucky Irabor informed the gathering of President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s desire for peace to be restored in Plateau state announced that the objectives of his visit will be served at the end of the day as practical steps for peace to be entrenched for the long term are taken describing Plateau state as fertile, friendly with citizens who are accommodating and they will escalate their activities for peace to return with stakeholders guidance reason why but needs to hear from the stakeholders for guidance
Secretary to the government of Plateau state Professor Danladi Atu described the visit of the chief of Defence Staff General Lucy Irabor as one that will add value to the composite approach for peace adopted by the state and are grateful for his coming hoping peace will be deepened after the meeting.
Professor Atu said the meeting was at the instance of the CDS to interface with stakeholders, noting that “Plateau state has been known for peace in the last 6yrs because of the governor’s philosophy that peace is priceless with a number of multi level bilateral held since the resurgence of violence in the state to build and reconstruct peace.
The meeting later went into a close door session. The chief of Defence Staff is the latest high profile personality to visit the state since violence broke out claiming lives with properties destroyed and the economy slowly getting back to normal.
Ime N
