The Military Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi States, inaugurated a 55-member joint committee on Tuesday to work for the restoration of lasting peace in Plateau.

Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the commander of OPSH, who inaugurated the committee, said that the move was aimed at addressing current security challenges in the state.

Mr Abubakar, who doubles as General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, said that the committee would implement the recommendations of the 36-member committee earlier constituted by OPSH.

He said that more persons were added to the existing 36-member committee, adding that it had been expanded to cover Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Bassa, Jos South, and Riyom Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The commander further said that the committee consisted of traditional rulers from the various LGAs, stakeholders, and officers of OPSH.

”You are to draw up strategies for the implementation of the recommendations of the 36-member committee and determine achievable strategies and timelines based on the mandate of OPSH

”You are also to identify the recommendations and streamline them into short, medium, and long term for proper implementation

”You should consult wisely and widely with all the stakeholders for effective collaboration and suggest ways to resolve grievances of any kind.

”You are also to advise on new issues of concern, identify milestones, and ensure periodic briefing toward effective implementation,” he said.

In a speech at the event, the secretary to the state government, Samuel Jatau, charged the committee to be objective and find a lasting solution to the myriad of security challenges in the state.

”You are not to throw blame at each other but to find a lasting solution to our problem.

”The government of Caleb Mutfwang is willing to give a level playing field to all the citizens of the state, irrespective of tribe or religion so that peace can reign.

”Our government is working hard to move Plateau to the top to join the community of states in Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Justice Daniel Longji (rtd.), promised that the members would carry out the assignment with the fear of God and to the best of their ability.

He called on the state government to support and collaborate with the committee toward achieving its mandate.

(NAN)