3 Division, OPSH meets stakeholders to address security concerns on plateau — News — The Guardian Nigeria News

The Nigerian Army 3 Division Headquarters and Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Jos on Friday held a stakeholders meeting with community leaders in Fann District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The meeting, which held at the auditorium of Division 3 Headquarters, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, was aimed at working out modalities to address the growing wave of crime, including proliferation of arms and cattle rustling in Fann District of Plateau State.

The 3rd Division/OPSH recently concluded a follow-up operation in Fann District following the killing of an OPSH officer during a raid on the hideout of arms traffickers in Sangasa on 10th July 2024, leading to the recovery of over 30 assorted weapons as well as military equipment.

In his opening remarks, the Commander of OPSH and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed displeasure over the continued acts of some individuals in Fann District, which have resulted in loss of lives and property despite efforts to counteract the negative trend.

He further stressed that criminals who commit violence and crimes in Fann district hibernate within the communities, saying some are well known to community members.

The GOC also highlighted the negative impact of criminal activities on the stability and security of the district, adding that the criminals were committing these acts for their personal gain and not for the benefit of the community.

He also noted that the attempt by criminals to give an ethno-religious coloring to the security situation in the region was aimed at inciting people in order to create a favorable condition for the flourishing of their selfish agenda.

Abubakar implored stakeholders to learn to forgive each other over real or perceived grievances, avoid rancour and also advised their wards to always seek peaceful resolution to crises and follow due process in addressing their grievances.

In their separate remarks, the Gwom Rwei of Gwol, HRH Da Edward Gyang, the Gwom Rwei of Fann, HRH Iliya Dashwei and the Liaison Officer to the Plateau State Governor for Barkin Ladi Constituency, Philip Jwe, said communities in Fan District had failed to discharge their responsibility to guide their children with good moral character in a credible manner.

They apologized for the terrible incident in the area and promised that the perpetrators of the crimes committed in Fann would be arrested. While calling for continued engagement, they all appreciated the efforts of 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven for agreeing to meet with the stakeholders in the district with a view to achieving lasting peace in Fan District.

The Chairman of Berom Youth Moulders Association, Solomon Dalyop, also appreciated the kind gesture of the GOC, 3 Division, aimed at ensuring the security of lives and property in Plateau, promising to work with the youths in the state to support the efforts of the troops and other security agencies to rid the state of crime.

The stakeholders’ meeting ended with a renewed commitment by all participants to intensify their efforts in combating criminal elements responsible for perpetrating violence in the region.