THE VICE PRESIDENT SUED FOR PEACE
Yesterday the Vice President of the Federal republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Prof. Osinbajo made an unannounced visit to Plateau State. He was accompanied by the Governor of Kebbi state and also the minister of state for mines and steel development.
The purpose of the visit was to commiserate with the people who lost their loved ones as a result of the recent attacks and also to have a first hand understanding and assessment of the immediate causes and effects of the renewed crisis respectively.
In a Town Hall style kind of a setting facilitated by the executive governor of Plateau State, the vice president listened with rapt attention to the submissions of a number of stakeholders.
From the state chairman of Miyetti Allah to His Royal Majesty the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, representatives of Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghvul as well as Chief ID Gyang member, representing Barkin Ladi and Riyom at the national assembly and others not only provided perspectives on the crisis but also made some useful insights and suggestions on how lasting Peace can be restored.
In his response the vice president condemned the killings and sought to know why security agencies could not stop the bloodletting. He called for the immediate and permanent positioning of security agencies in conflict prone communities.
The VP noted that the President has condemned this despicable act and is willing to work with the people and govt of Plateau State to resolve all the long standing issues of conflict that have plagued the state.
It is the responsibility of each and every one of us, especially leaders to bring this carnage to an end, the VP notes.
We can't afford to manage a religious crisis. No one can survive a religious crisis. We must exercise restraint and work together for Peace. It is not spirits that settles conflict but people.
Since the immediate threats are known to us, it would therefore be inexcusable for us to allow any attacks to take place again, he warned.
The VP promised to immediately look into the request to establish another mobile police squadron unit in Gashish, so also is the promise to ensure NEMA provides immediate support to victims of conflict in Plateau State.
In addition, "we will make a request for a 10 billion intervention fund for Plateau as were the case with Benue. This will help in the safe return and resettlement of victims of conflict to their ancestral homes"
Overall, the VP advised everyone not to succumb to revenge and reprisals lest we all get consumed in an endless cycle of violence.
The VP's visit was not only timely but a demonstration of Federal government's resolve and commitrment to reverse this ugly trend and lay a solid foundation for building sustainable Peace.
Joseph Lengmang
Director General
Plateau Peace Building Agency
