In a decisive move aimed at maintaining law and order, Major General AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), issued a stern warning to communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, cautioning against taking the law into their own hands. The warning was conveyed during a stakeholders meeting held on November 18, 2023, at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.
Addressing community leaders, Major General Abubakar underscored the imperative of refraining from vigilantism and emphasized the significance of separating criminal elements from law-abiding citizens. In his opening address, he highlighted recent accomplishments in the region, including the successful relocation of approximately 40 communities to their ancestral homes, the establishment of control over critical vulnerable areas, the arrest and neutralization of bandits, the dismantling of small arms and light weapons manufacturing facilities, and the apprehension of drug peddling syndicates.
The GOC/Commander OPSH stressed the importance of maintaining the achieved peace and cautioned against actions by criminal elements and crisis instigators that could undermine the progress made. He identified the identified triggers of violence and assured stakeholders that efforts were underway to eradicate them permanently.
Major General Abubakar urged community leaders to collaborate with security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for instigating crises in the area. He warned criminals to abandon their activities and embrace peaceful coexistence, underscoring the need for collective efforts to combat criminality.
General Abubakar announced a new policy, stating that individuals engaged in criminal acts such as farm destruction, cattle rustling, and cow poisoning would not only be required to pay compensation but would also face prosecution. He urged forgiveness for past misdeeds and urged the community to unite towards building a harmonious society.
Community leaders, expressing gratitude for the swift intervention of the GOC and Commander OPSH, called for severe punishment for those involved in unlawful acts. They pledged unwavering support for the security forces and urged decisive actions against drug peddlers, citing their contribution to criminality in the region.
The event, attended by dignitaries including the Transitional Chairman of Bokkos Local Government, Hon Monday Kassah, Acting President of Bokkos Local Government Traditional Council, Saf Lawrence Ayizat, Zonal Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Chairman Gam Allah, traditional leaders, and community leaders, showcased a united front in the commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for all residents of Bokkos.
