Plateau: Operation SAFE HAVEN Inaugurates Committee To Tackle Insecurity In Bassa
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has inaugurated a new 17-man Peace Committee to implement modalities to achieve lasting peace in Bassa LGA and environs.
The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday, 15 May 2024 at Headquarters 3 Division Auditorium, Rukuba Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State.
It would be recalled that Operation SAFE HAVEN has continued to explore all avenues to find lasting solution to the lingering crisis which manifest in attacks and reprisals in Plateau State.
In September 2021, Operation SAFE HAVEN constituted a 36-Man Joint Committee to work out modalities to achieve peace and reconciliation between the various tribes in Bassa, Jos North and South as well as Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
In furtherance of peace building efforts in Irigwe Land, the Mbra Ngwe of Irigwe Land inaugurated a 17-Man Implementation Committee to implement the recommendations of the 36-Man Committee as it affects Irigwe Land.
However, the activities of the Committee declined over time and issues of redundancy led to a relapse in the peace building efforts in Irigwe Land as at last week.
This necessitated the dissolution of the former committee on 10 May 2024 and the subsequent establishment of a new 17-Man Peace Committee.
Speaking at the inauguration event held at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General AE Abubakar, urged the committee members not to be partisan in the discharge of their tasks, thereby leaving no room for reservations from parties involved.
While pledging the operation’s readiness to continually work with other security agencies to drive home the peace agenda of Plateau State Government, Maj. Gen. Abubakar further tasked the committee members to ensure the implementation of the recommendations within three months to facilitate peaceful coexistence in the area.
In their separate remarks, the Transition Implementation Committee Chairman, Bassa LGA, represented by Mr Asuhik Adik and Director-General, Plateau Peace Building Agency, represented by Mr Elkanah Izam, advised the committee to shun tribalism during the course of the assignment. They maintained that the formation of the committee has enhanced civil-military relations, creating an avenue for rapid response to resolving communal conflicts and other minor security challenges.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Ephraim Usman, said the formation of the committee was a step in the right direction towards furthering the peace process embarked upon by the State Government.
The governor urged the committee members to work in harmony to achieve the objectives of the committee, and further pledged government’s continuous support to Operation SAFE HAVEN and its operations.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the chairman of the peace committee, Mr Musa Audu, assured that the committee will discharge its duties diligently within the timeframe given by the commander.
Highlights of the event includes the swearing in of the committee members, presentation of engagement letters to the members, comments from invited guests and group photographs.
