Defence Minister Badaru In Plateau, Affirms The President’s Support In The Fight Against Insecurity and Criminality In Plateau

Defence Minister Badaru In Plateau, Affirms The President’s Support In The Fight Against Insecurity and Criminality In Plateau

The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reassured the government and people of Plateau State of the Federal Government’s unwavering support and commitment in the fight against criminalities and insecurity in the state. The Minister asserted during his two-day operational visit to the state from Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 October 2024. On arrival in Jos, the Honourable Minister paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Plateau State Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang at the government house Rayfield, Jos.

The Minister accompanied by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (GOC/Comd OPSH), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar were received by the Deputy Governor of the state, Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Poyi. In his remarks, Mohammed Badaru stated that the purpose of the journey to Plateau State was to assess the operational activities of OPSH, engage critical stakeholders and thereafter proffer enduring solutions to sustain the peace on the Plateau.

Responding, the Deputy Governor welcomed the HMOD and assured him of the resolve of the Plateau State Government to continue to render their support to security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements and pave the way for socio-economic activities to thrive.

The entourage thereafter, proceeded to the Palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da Dr Jacob Buba Gyang, the Chairman Plateau Council of Chiefs and Emirs. During the visit, the HMOD condoled the Traditional Ruler for the loss of his brother who died a day earlier. The HMOD stated, “I want to on behalf of myself and the entire Ministry of Defence express my deepest condolence for the loss of your brother who died yesterday.” The Minister prayed for the soul of the deceased and for the family to bear the loss.

The HMOD further proceeded to Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos where he was briefed by the GOC 3 Div before proceeding to the Rhino Sports Pavilion where he addressed the combined troops of 3 Division, OPSH and 551 Nigerian Airforce Station Jos. During his address, the HMOD commended the troops for their efforts towards returning normalcy to the state. He stated that the insecurity in the Plateau had lingered for too long, but was glad that the situation had improved tremendously. He further acknowledged the doggedness and efforts of the troops which led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, and ammunition from criminal elements in the Plateau. Alhaji Badaru further assured the troops that the Federal Government will continue to give priority to the welfare of the Armed Forces as well as other security agencies.

The Honorable Minister further embarked on a meeting with critical stakeholders from Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom and Wase Local Government Areas of the state. During the engagement, the HMOD reiterated that he was in the state to interact with critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, community, religious and youth leaders as well as security agencies responsible for peace to fashion out modalities to sustain the peace. He further expressed displeasure over isolated attacks and reprisals which resulted in loss of lives and property in some parts of the state despite the efforts of security agencies, especially the Army to ensure the amicable settlements of disputes.

The Minister charged leaders to live up to their responsibilities in their various communities and to continue to engage the youths to discontinue any action that would impede peaceful co-existence in the state.

Alhaji Badaru while declaring the government’s resolve to fight any secessionist agenda in the state, discouraged the use of antics to spread fake news by social media reporters to incite and cause violence. He urged the youth to continue to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence to bring lasting peace to the Plateau.

In his welcome address, the GOC 3 Division and Comd OPSH, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar stated that the meeting was very important as it afforded the Minister the unique opportunity to appraise both the kinetic and non-kinetic efforts employed by the security agencies towards protecting lives and property as well as ensuring lasting peace on the Plateau. The GOC also averred that the stakeholder’s meeting was one of the non-kinetic working tools employed to address the inter-communal conflicts in the Joint Operations Area. He urged the stakeholders to continue to preach peace in their various communities most especially as the yuletide season approaches.

During the interactive engagement, community representatives, religious leaders, traditional rulers and youth leaders, made comments, contributions and suggestions to proffer solutions to the security challenges on the Plateau. In his response, the HMOD acknowledged the stakeholder’s contributions and assured them he would forward their suggestions to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for analysis and implementation. Representing the Executive Governor of Plateau State, the Special Adviser on Security Brigadier General Gakji Shippi also acknowledged the complaints and recommendations of the various stakeholders and assured them that the state government was putting the best mechanism in place to ensure peace and normalcy. The high point of the events includes group photographs and interviews with the members of the Press.