By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The latest killing of a Fulani leader in Mangu Local Government of Plateau State, Ardo Adamu Idris Gabdo, might result in a reprisal if security checks are not put in place to check possible early warning signs, our correspondent has said.
Going by the thinking of the public and a trend that has always led to wanton killings in the State, the Military Task Force also known as Operation Safe Haven OPSH called for a stakeholders engagement in Mangu locality where it engaged leaders of the various communities on the need to forgive and tolerate each other as a sign of lasting solution towards peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at the meeting the Commander of the Task Force, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, said for peace progress to be achieved, forgiveness must be achieved.
He said the determination to draw the line for peace must be paramount unless the vicious circle will continue, adding that the royal fathers who have contributed in ensuring peace will be disappointed if their efforts are not respected.
Abubakar said even as he speaks, a security alert received indicates that militias are on their way from Nasarawa State to attack Plateau tonight.
He assured the stakeholders and the general public that those who killed the late Ardo will soon be apprehended, saying that three suspects are already in their custody and promising that by next week the prime suspect will be caught.
Speaking further he said: “What is happening on the Plateau is a criminal act. When cattle are rustled the criminals go enjoy the proceeds while people continue to kill themselves.
“Proliferation of small arms are also a bane of the crisis in the country. Since the assumption of office 3 months ago, the task force has recovered over a thousand weapons. Illicit drugs are also a contributory factor to the crisis in the State and country at large”, the Commander who also doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army said.
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Speaking also, the leader of the Plateau State Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Emir of Wase, Alh. Dr. Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, said there is a need for the youth leaders of both Mangu community and the Fulani community to further meet at the Palace of the Mangu Traditional leader tomorrow morning to continue the deliberation of nipping their problems in the bud.
The Emir said those that are perpetrating the killings are not from outside but are residing in the State.
He appealed to the youths who will be meeting the Traditional ruler’s house tomorrow to be sincere and ventilate all issues
Earlier, the Management Committee Chairman Mangu, Hon. Markus Autu in his welcome address admonished all stakeholders to engage in a frank discussion.
On his part the Paramount Ruler of Mangu, Da John Hirse, noted that the past should remain in the past and measures on how to move forward should top every discussion among stakeholders.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event also noted that herdsmen and grazing on farmlands are the major trigger to the crisis in the area.
