The recurring effects of social disorder in communities in Plateau state as a result of banditry has become a major concern for the peaceful people of the state and we in the Plateau Our Heritage, revival initiative POH, are worried over this.
We sympathize with our people who have for several years now, been at the receiving end and urge them to still show restraint and engage other lawful acts to drive home their points before the authorities bothering on it’s inaction which is causing the frustration being harboured and is unacceptable.
The POH is particularly pained by the protest that engulfed Riyom LGA that lasted for a better part of yesterday; thereby making social, economic and even government activities to shut down, is to say the least; not the way to go and we are calling on the citizens to continue to exercise restraint at any slightest provocation and rather engage peaceful means in expressing their grievances instead of attacks or causing panic among innocent passersby, Plateau State people are known for their peaceful disposition.
We, at this trying moment wish to call on the state and federal governments; to wake up to their responsibilities and act without further delay to engage the people in any meaningful way to chart a way forward to peaceful coexistence among the people.
The POH wishes to disagree with the Plateau State Government in particular over the adoption of what can be term “lip service” on issues of security because “condemning heinous crimes” against the people calls for matching words with action which will give the communities confidence to the effect that the authorities are on ground and cares which is the main responsibility of govt-by the way what is the operation rainbow team doing? Just consuming tax payers money?.
We note with dismay, the wanton distructions to lives and properties that is being experienced in communities of Barkin Ladi, Jos south, Riyom and Bassa LGAs in addition to mowing down yet to be harvested farm crops in recent times and warn with a loud voice that it is wicked, callous, insensitive and unacceptable. The forceful attempt to grap our God given heritage would sure receive resistance in equal measure.
The POH is further disturbed that with the activities of bandits, kidnappers, large portions of lands have been left uncultivated for fear of attacks and for the little ones that have been cultivated, the crops; especially maize were reportedly shredded before maturity and this is the height of irresponsibility on the part of perpetrators of this carlours actions.
On the way forward, we call on government to be proactive in it’s approach to these recurring issues and engage with the communities on more frequent bases.
listen to their plights and change it’s modus operandi in tackling the challenges as that would douse the festering tension which usually give way to frustration amongst peace loving inhabitants.
Government is advised to also identify the reasons for vulnerability, identify the extent of the human and material damage/losses; including farmlands, vocations etc with a view to compensating those worst hit by these attacks in order to ameliorate their lives and calm frayed nerves as that will serve as a tonic to open discussions on the way forward.
Government should also try and identify with relevant groups and NGOs, Plateau Peace Building Agency, PPDA, Humanitarian Dialogue, HP, Faith Based Aids. Awareness Initiative. FBAAI; DREP etc all working for the return of peace on the Plateau and partner with such and other security bodies in finding a lasting peace especially in communities and other vulnerable areas within the state.
The existing but inactive operation rainbow outfit should be handed to a well groomed security personnel to put it on the right footing as depending solely on the Army and police alone has proven to be inadequate.
Nigeria Star News 