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POH chairman, Hon. Alex Kwapnoe
By Raymond Gukas, Jos
The Plateau Our Heritage group, (POH), has made a case for the full involvement of the state security outfit, Operation Rainbow in tackling the security challenges across the state.
This was in response to the recurring effects of social disorder in communities in the state as a result of banditry which it said has become a major cause for concern for the peaceful people of the state.
The position was expressed in a press statement signed by the Chairman and secretary of the Plateau Our Heritage, revival initiative POH, Hon. Alex Kwapnoe and Comrade John Bako respectively.
In the statement, the socio cultural group said ” We sympathize with our people who have for several years now, been at the receiving end and urge them to still show restraint and engage other lawful acts to drive home their points before the authorities bothering on it’s inaction which is causing the frustration being harboured and is unacceptable”
It added that it was particularly pained by the protest that engulfed Riyom LGA that lasted for a better part of yesterday; (Wednesday) thereby making social, economic and even government activities to shut down, saying that is not the way to go and called on the citizens to continue to exercise restraint at any slightest provocation and engage peaceful means in expressing their grievances “instead of attacks or causing panic among innocent passersby”
The POH tasked the state and federal governments; to wake up to their responsibilities and act without further delay to engage the people in any meaningful way to chart a way forward to peaceful coexistence among the people, even as it disagreed with the Plateau state government for paying “lip service” on issues of security because “condemning heinous crimes” against the people calls for matching words with action, it added.
“We note with dismay, the wanton distructions to lives and properties that is being experienced in communities of Barkin Ladi, Jos south, Riyom and Bassa LGAs in addition to mowing down yet to be harvested farm crops in recent times and warn with a loud voice that it is wicked, callous, insensitive and unacceptable. The forceful attempt to grap our God given heritage would sure receive resistance in equal measure.
“The POH is further disturbed that with the activities of bandits, kidnappers, large portions of lands have been left uncultivated for fear of attacks and for the little ones that have been cultivated, the crops; especially maize were reportedly shredded before maturity and this is the height of irresponsibility on the part of perpetrators of this carlours actions.
“On the way forward, we call on government to be proactive in it’s approach to these recurring issues and engage with the communities on more frequent bases” it stressed.
It equally advised Government to identify the reasons for vulnerability, identify the extent of the human and material damage/losses; including farmlands, vocations etc with a view to compensating those worst hit by these attacks in order to ameliorate their lives and calm frayed nerves as that will serve as a tonic to open discussions on the way forward.
Furthemore, “Government should also try and indentify with relevant groups and NGOs, Plateau Peace Building Agency, PPDA, Humanitarian Dialogue, HP, Faith Based Aids. Awareness Initiative. FBAAI; DREP etc all working for the return of peace on the Plateau and partner with such and other security bodies in finding a lasting peace especially in communities and other vulnerable areas within the state.
