The Commander, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali on Saturday 11 September 2021 inaugurated a 36 member Joint Peace Committee at the Operation’s Headquarters in Jos.

The Committee is to recommend measures to be taken to find a lasting solution to the incessant clashes and killings among various ethnic groups in the State.

Speaking during the inauguration, Maj Gen Ali urged members of the committee to demonstrate impartiality, neutrality, honesty, uprightness and avoid sentiment and compromise.

He disclosed that the members who were drawn from ethnic communities in Bassa, Jos North and South LGAs have the background knowledge of the conflict and hopes their experience in communal conflict resolution would assist in fast-tracking the restoration of peace on the Plateau.

Maj Gen Ali stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms by all parties to the conflict.

The Commander noted that the Committee was created as part of the non-kinetic approach of Operation Safe Haven to peacebuilding in the state.

He added that the committee would assist in making recommendations that will help OPSH and Plateau State Government in finding a lasting solution to the incessant conflict among various ethnic groups of Irigwe, Fulani, Hausa, Bache, Dong, Gyel and Anaguta.

“It is hoped that the outcome of this committee will contribute immensely to the peacebuilding efforts in the targeted communities with a view to returning Plateau state to the path of peace and sustainable development,” he said.

The Committee according to Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali, would identify the root causes of the crises in Bassa, Jos North and Jos South local government areas and recommend implementable strategies that would lead to sustainable peace on the Plateau.

While thanking the Commander for the confidence reposed on the Committee, the Chairman of the committee, Prince Robert Rigwe Ashi gave the assurance that the committee would discharge its duties diligently devoid of sentiment and solicited for the support of community leaders to achieve their mandate.

Also speaking on behalf of Traditional Rulers, the District Head of Dong, Ada Gwom Kaze Inyam appreciated the Commander for the initiative and urged the leaders of Irigwe, Fulani, Hausa, Bache, Dong, Gyel and Anaguta communities to support the Committee to succeed in its assignment.

The Committee has two weeks to submit its report.

Source:- Vanguard

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