The Joint Task Force, Operation Ensuring Peace (JTF-OPEP), on Saturday, organised a tree planting exercise to mitigate the negative impact of climate change in Plateau.

Speaking at the event, Maj.-Gen. Folunsho Oyinlola, the commander of the operation, said that the exercise was an initiative of its Sector One.

The commander added that the gesture was part of its non-kinetic approach in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the state and beyond.

Mr Oyinlola, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Rukuba, Jos, explained that the move was due to the rise in deforestation in the state.

“This activity is designed to win the hearts and minds of the people while promoting their health and overall quality of life.

“It also represents a relevant step to support host communities in tackling the challenges of deforestation, often driven by illegal felling of trees for domestic use.

“As we continue to provide security for law-abiding citizens, it is equally important that we promote a clean and sustainable environment.

“Tree planting is one of the surest ways to achieve that, particularly in mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting the ecosystem,” he said.

The commander, who reiterated the commitment to peace and security, however, called on the residents of the state to regularly plant trees within their environment.

He said that the tree planting exercise would not only improve the environment but also enhance the resilience of troubled communities in the state.

Earlier, Navy Capt. Mahmud Fana, the commander of JTF-OPEP’s sector one, said that the initiative aimed at ensuring a safer environment for residents of the state.

Mr Fana, who also decried the rise in deforestation due to the increasing use of charcoal by residents, said that the tree planting exercise is part of its civil-military engagement.

He called on residents of Plateau to support the military and other security agencies in their bid to curb the security challenges confronting the state.

(NAN)