A pivotal and comprehensive meeting took place at the Headquarters of 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in Jos, Plateau State. Major General AE Abubakar, Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding 3 Division NA, orchestrated this gathering of utmost importance. The central focus of this assembly was to address the distressing matter of the missing Ardo Adamu, the Ardo of Panyam in the Panyam district of Mangu Local Government Area.
The meeting served as a platform for Major General Abubakar to engage with both Fulani and Mangu stakeholders, fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding to enhance security within the OPSH Joint Operation Area.
In his opening address, General Abubakar recognized the gravity of the situation surrounding the disappearance of Ardo Adamu, describing it as deeply unfortunate. He made a passionate plea for restraint, urging all parties not to take the law into their own hands.
Major General Abubakar reassured the community that Operation SAFE HAVEN was unwaveringly committed to unraveling the circumstances of the Ardo’s disappearance and ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice. He underscored the critical importance of maintaining a sincere commitment to peace within the community and beyond. The Commander highlighted the necessity of collectively condemning criminal activities as a fundamental step towards establishing a peaceful society.
Moreover, General Abubakar took the opportunity to acknowledge the significant accomplishments of Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV in bolstering security in the Mangu general area and Plateau State as a whole.
The Commander of OPSH/GOC issued a heartfelt call to leaders at all levels. He urged them to collaborate closely with security agencies in eradicating criminal elements and external threats to the state’s peace. Major General Abubakar also reassured the stakeholders of OPSH’s unwavering dedication to maintaining peace on the Plateau, emphasizing the principles of impartiality and fairness that govern their efforts.
Brigadier General DD Shippi (Rtd), the Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Security, shared his insights during the meeting. He stressed the critical need to break the cycle of violence that has gripped the Mangu general area. Brigadier General Shippi reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to creating a peaceful society. He warmly welcomed input from the stakeholders, viewing their perspectives as valuable contributions to enhancing the government’s effective policing agenda.
In their separate remarks, The Plateau State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Nuru Muhammad and Sir Joseph Gwankat, the Makaman Panyam, National President Mwaghavul Development Association acknowledged the importance of such a meeting and urged for further grassroots dialogue to unravel the mysteries of the missing Ardo and further drive towards peace.
The meeting also witnessed extensive comments from other key stakeholders who voiced their perspectives on addressing security challenges in a more holistic manner. Some of the stakeholders include the Chairman of the Mangu Local Government Area Transition Committee, Honorable Markus Artu, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), Chairman of the OPSH 26-Man Peace Committee, among others.
They emphasized the pivotal role of grassroots engagement in resolving complex issues. Additionally, the stakeholders discussed the importance of community reorientation as a powerful tool for addressing these challenges. Leaders present at the meeting also shared their commitment to continuously promoting peace within their respective communities.
A spirit of unity and collaboration characterized the meeting as Fulani and Mangu stakeholders jointly committed themselves to further dialogue in order for the pursuit of lasting peace in Plateau State.