The Denominational Heads on the Plateau, led by their Chairman, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, have paid a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar, to commemorate one year since the tragic Bokkos attacks on Christmas Eve 2023. The visit also aimed to discuss the state of security on the Plateau and to appeal for urgent measures to forestall further violence, especially during the festive season.
During the meeting at the GOC’s office, the religious leaders expressed their appreciation for the military’s tireless efforts in safeguarding lives and property. They commended the GOC for his strategic leadership in addressing the ongoing security challenges through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, which have contributed to maintaining relative peace in Plateau State.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo acknowledged the sacrifices of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the GOC’s leadership. He highlighted their role in averting crises and restoring peace to volatile areas, while also appreciating their collaboration with the Plateau State Government, civil society, and faith-based organizations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), JGNI, and The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation.
“This synergy has greatly contributed to the relative peace we enjoy today,” Rev. Mohzo stated. “We commend your strategy of combining force with dialogue, which has helped in de-escalating conflicts and fostering unity among our people.”
The visit was marked by a somber reflection on the devastating attacks in Bokkos on December 24, 2023, which claimed numerous lives and left many communities in disarray. The leaders expressed deep concern over the continued sporadic attacks in various parts of the state, including the recent violence in Riyom and Barakin Ladi LGAs.
Rev. Dr. Mohzo highlighted the most recent incidents, including the December 22 attack on the Ridoh community in Ganawuri, which resulted in 15 fatalities, and the murder of an ECWA Church elder near NTV village just a day prior. Intelligence reports indicating potential threats in Langai, Kasuwa Ali, and other areas were also shared, with the leaders urging the GOC to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed.
“We appeal for immediate intervention to secure vulnerable communities during this critical Christmas and New Year period,” Rev. Mohzo pleaded. “Our people deserve to celebrate the season in peace and without fear.”
The religious leaders made several recommendations to strengthen security across Plateau State:
- Increased Deployment: Additional troops in high-risk areas to deter potential attacks.
- Regular Patrols: Enhanced patrols in identified vulnerable communities to reassure residents.
- Early Warning Systems: Collaborative mechanisms between the military and local communities to promptly address emerging threats.
- Community Collaboration: Improved synergy between the military and local vigilantes to create a stronger security network.
The delegation pledged their continued support for the military’s efforts, emphasizing their commitment to peacebuilding and reconciliation. They assured the GOC of their willingness to:
- Encourage congregants to share timely and actionable intelligence with security agencies.
- Facilitate platforms for dialogue and trust-building between civilians and the military.
- Strengthen social cohesion through community engagement and advocacy against divisive narratives.
The Denominational Heads appealed to the GOC to relay their prayers and concerns to the Chief of Army Staff, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They called for decisive action to prevent mass killings and ensure a peaceful festive season for Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
“We remain confident in the capability and resolve of the Nigerian Armed Forces to overcome these challenges,” Rev. Mohzo concluded. “We assure you of our prayers and unwavering support as you lead us towards a safer and more secure Plateau State.”
In his response, Major General AE Abubakar expressed gratitude for the visit and commended the Denominational Heads for their steadfast commitment to peace and reconciliation. He reaffirmed the military’s dedication to securing Plateau State and acknowledged the critical role of faith leaders in fostering unity and trust within communities.
“I deeply appreciate your support and the proactive role you play as religious leaders in encouraging peace and cooperation,” the GOC said. “We recognize the challenges ahead, especially during this festive season, and assure you of our commitment to ensuring that these celebrations are safe and peaceful.”
The GOC acknowledged the recent attacks and assured the delegation that the military is taking steps to address the situation. He disclosed plans to deploy additional personnel to vulnerable areas and intensify patrols in response to intelligence reports.
“We are aware of the threats in areas like Langai and Kasuwa Ali, and we are already taking proactive steps to neutralize any potential attacks,” he stated. “Our operations will remain intelligence-driven and collaborative, involving community leaders and local security groups.”
Major General AE Abubakar emphasized the importance of community involvement in security efforts, urging the leaders to encourage their congregations to share timely and accurate information with security agencies.
He also reiterated the military’s commitment to addressing the challenges of displaced persons and land recovery.
“We are working closely with the state government to facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral lands,” he added. “We understand the importance of land issues in fostering lasting peace and are committed to resolving them.”
The GOC concluded by assuring the religious leaders that the military will not relent in its efforts to protect lives and properties, especially during the festive period.
“I assure you that we will do everything within our power to ensure that incidents like the Bokkos attacks never happen again. The Nigerian Armed Forces remain steadfast in their duty to protect every citizen of this country.”
The delegation included prominent church leaders such as:
- Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, COCIN President (Chairman)
- Rev. Dr. Job Bagat Ayuba, ECWA President
- Rt. Rev. Dr. Juan Zhumbes, Anglican Bishop, Bukuru
- Rt. Rev. Ephraim Gongden, Anglican Bishop, Jos
- Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Agbese, Methodist Bishop, Jos
- Rt. Rev. Dr. Nkechi Nwosu, retired Methodist Bishop
- Rev. Augustine Elisha, TEKAN General Secretary
- Rev. Dunka Gomwalk, PFN Chairman
- Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President of The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation and Secretary of the Forum
- Rev. Femi Olosunde, PFN Elder Representative
- Rev. N.C. Thompson
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to peace and security, with hopes that the sacrifices of the past year would pave the way for a more stable future on the Plateau.
