The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has advised traditional rulers in Plateau State to promote peaceful co-existence in their domains.
Irabor gave the advice when he visited Rev. Ronku Aku, the Brra Nggwe Rigwe, Mr Johnson Magaji, the Ujah of Anaguta, in Bassa and Jos North Local Government Areas of the state, respectively.
The CDS urged the traditional rulers to preach and promote the virtues of peace among their subjects, noting that such move would yield positive and meaningful development in the society.
He commended the roles played by traditional institutions towards ending insecurity in the state and urged them to do more for the greater good of all.
“I am in Jos to see my officers and men in Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), who are working to promote peace on the Plateau and decided to visit areas recently affected by insecurity.“I have come to commiserate with you over the loss of your subjects and to also urge you to preach peaceful co-existence among the people.“I want to plead that you appeal to your subjects to be peaceful at all times because that is the only way we can enhance meaningful development.“Killings and reprisal attacks must stop because it is not the solution.“But inculcating the spirit of love, tolerance and forgiveness will make the society better,” he said.
The CDS called on the traditional rulers to continue to support the armed forces and other security agencies towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.
He assured that the military would continue to be professional, just and fair to all while discharging its constitutional duties of safeguarding lives and property.
The CDS promised that his men would go after the bad elements who are hellbent on instigating violence that usually leads to loss of lives and property in the state.
In their separate responses, the traditional rulers thanked the Defence Chief for the visit and promised to work with the military to promote peace in their domains.
They urged the CDS to deploy more security personnel to flashpoints in their chiefdoms to ensure the safety of their people.
The CDS also met with Gov. Simon Lalong and other critical stakeholders and brainstormed on ways of fostering peaceful co-existence in the state.
(NAN)