The Coalition of Lalong Support Groups, a combination of various
interest groups in support of Gov. Simon Bako Lalong says the recent
“unfortunate” attacks which coincided with the President Muhammadu
Buhari’s visit to the State has proven that the attackers do not mean
well and have “declared war” on the State.
The group in a statement on Thursday said the development calls for
unity amongst citizens of the state regardless of religious, ethnic or
political differences.
The statement signed by Steven Jing, Iliya Ajang and Dalyop Choji
however faulted the way and manner some commentators have reacted to the
happenings, suggesting the Lalong administration does not have regards
for the sanctity of lives.
“This shows that they either lack knowledge or deliberately refuse to
appreciate the effort of the Rescue Government in handling the Security
situation in the State,” the statement says.
The group therefore call on such individuals to “Separate Politics
from Security issues” as victims of the attacks cut across political
divides.
It said, “This group strongly believes that with the support of the
citizens of the state and synergy amongst the various Stakeholders, this
government along side the various Local government administrations has
the capacity to curb these incessant attacks.”
The statement recalls efforts by the Lalong government at building
peace to include various peace meetings from the start of the
administration and the recent Peace Roadmap launched by President
Buhari.
The group said, “On assumption of office in May 2015, the
administration held series of town hall meetings with all stakeholders
in the state towards finding lasting solution to Peace.
“One of these is the constitution of peace and reconciliation
committee amongst the Berom and Fulani ethnic Nationalities that had
suffered worst casualties.
“During the interaction and reconciliation, over 22 causes of crisis
were identified and both parties also suggested series of solutions, one
of which included the establishment of Plateau Peace Building Agency
(PPBA).
“Achievements of the Agency include:
Constant advocate engagements with several media outlets and created an
outline presence were good programs and activities on peace building are
discriminated;
“Periodical consultative dialogues with youths, traditional ruler’s
religious leaders, women organizations and members of the civil society
groups;
“Developed practical and proactive strategies and policy measures for
addressing some of the underlying causes of conflict in the state;
“Engaged in inter-agency collaboration especially with Operation
Rainbow and Plateau State Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs
Development Agency (PLASMEDA) where synergies are built on issues of
conflict resolutions and peace building and the launch of the Plateau
Peace road map by the President lately.”
The group therefore called on the security agencies to be more
proactive in intelligence gathering “which is the only way such attacks
can be prevented.”
The relationship between the Security men and the communities need to
be improved in order to build more confidence and trust, the group
said.
It further advised the state government to “adopt similar approach
taken with the Beroms and the Fulanis when it assumed office.”
While appreciating the effort of the Federal government in tackling
security challenges across the nation, the group demanded for more
efforts and attention to Plateau State in order to bring an end to the
“needless” loss of lives and properties.
“We also call on the government at all levels, non-governmental
agencies and spirited individuals to come to the aid of the displaced
persons in the affected communities in order to alleviate their
sufferings,” it added.
The Lalong groups appreciated the role of the press in reporting
security issues and peace building in the State, but however charged
journalists to avoid sensational reportage capable of “escalating” the
situation
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