The military, through Operation Safe Haven, on Wednesday, gave the Irigwe community in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State three months to end the series of renewed attacks in the area.

The attacks had led to the killing of several people and the destruction of properties, the latest being the murder of a 32-year-old farmer, Bulus Joseph, who was hacked to death on his farm in Maiyanga community last week Tuesday.

The day after, two herders were killed and their 150 cows also slaughtered, a development which had created tension in the council area

An investigation by The PUNCH also revealed that no fewer than 15 persons, mostly farmers, had been killed in several attacks by gunmen in the community on February 11, 2024 and May 8, 2024.

The Commander of Operation Safe Haven in charge of maintaining peace in the state, Maj-Gen A.E. Abubakar, while inaugurating a 17-member peace implementation committee for the community on Wednesday, said after three months, the military would wield the big stick.

The event was held at the 3 Division Barracks, in the Bassa LGA of the state.

Abubakar, who is also the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, condemned the renewed violence in the area and described it as unacceptable.

“It is unacceptable that after two decades, the people are still living in hostilities,” the GOC stated.

Speaking on why he had to inaugurate another peace committee, the army chief said the initial committee had relaxed its duties.

“The Operation Safe Haven has continued to adopt robust non-kinetic strategies towards fostering peaceful coexistence on the Plateau. We have engaged early warning mechanisms and quick responses to distress calls.

“Similarly, we have used dialogue, symposiums and sporting activities to bring people of different ethno religious backgrounds to live harmoniously as one people.

“Just last month, we held the finals of the youth football tournament at Rwang Pam Township Stadium. Our goal was to bring youths from all the local government areas of Plateau State and the adjoining state of Kaduna together to channel their God-given energy and skills towards bridging the gap created by continuous crises and hostilities.

“In furtherance of peace-building efforts in Irigweland, the Mbra Ngwe of Irigweland inaugurated a 17-man committee to implement the recommendations of a 36-man committee as it affects Irigweland.

“However, the activities of the committee declined over time and issues of redundancy led to a relapse in the peace-building efforts as of last week.

“This necessitated the dissolution of the former committee on May 10, 2024, and the subsequent establishment of a new 17-man peace committee in Irigwe land, which is being inaugurated today,” he said.

He reiterated the commitment of the military task force to achieving peace objectives in Plateau State.

Abubakar warned those harbouring criminals in any part of the state to desist, as Operation Safe Haven would not hesitate to deal with anyone found wanting.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, speaking at the event, thanked the military commander and his men for working to restore permanent peace in Bassa and other parts of the state.

Mutfwang, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman, maintained that his administration was determined to bring lasting peace to the troubled communities.

“The people are willing to sleep with their two eyes closed. The military, police, civil defence and other security agents have done well.

“As a government, we will continue to collaborate and support the work of Operation Safe Haven to achieve the peace objectives in Plateau,” the governor stated.

The Chairman of the Peace Implementation Committee, Musa Audu, who spoke on behalf of his co-chairman, Adamu Yakubu, assured that the committee would deliver on its mandate.

The committee has membership drawn from both the natives and the Fulani herders. (The PUNCH)

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