By Agabus Pwanagba
Sequel to the myriad of security challenges that has bedeviled some communities in Plateau State, the Director General Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) Joseph Lengmang said for peace to be achieve in the state, underlining issues behind the unrest must be completely resolved.
He also said achieving peace in hitherto crisis ridden communities is a process and not an event.
Lengmang disclosed this during an interface with journalists in Jos, the State Capital saying, “So long as the underlining issues behind a conflict are not completely resolved, there is likelihood of relapsing.
He said, “That is why we always emphasize that, peace building is a process, not an event.
“This is a process that needs to be carefully nurtured for it to be able to blossom and for us to be able see results.
“And I think this is part of that journey, what we are doing with you today, is that process of crafting peace, of talking about these issues, of creating awareness, sensitisation, enlightenment, and even challenging dangerous or poisonous narratives that are out there. That would be very helpful”, he maintained.
“So, the Northern Senatorial zone in Plateau State remains a challenge, but we are also bolstered by some of the successes we have recorded.
“And if we keep pushing and insisting that regardless of the unfavourable prevailing circumstances, we are determine to open a new leaf, I believe our efforts will pay off one day.
“So, we do not despair regardless of the security challenges we had in August this year, at Bassa and Jos North LGAs, recently in Bassa again, or rather in any part of the State, or even across Nigeria”, Lengmang admonished.
“Iam one of the people that will tell you that, I will not give up, because if I do, it will be one of the greatest disservice to our country and our children, even those yet unborn”, he stressed.
Speaking on the recurring attacks on border communities in Plateau and Kaduna states, the Director General said, the PPBA is collaborating with the Kaduna Peace Commission to deal with the matter.
Lengmang explained that the issue has been identified long ago and a lot of progress has been made towards dealing with the issue.
“In fact, just last last week, there was an engagement that brought together stakeholders from the Kaduna side and also from the Plateau side,” the DG disclosed.
He however said dealing with the matter was “a bit complicated” due to the living pattern of some ethnic groups from both states.
“There are Irigwe people who are living in the Kaduna state. There are Chawai and also Attakar people who are living in Plateau state. So that makes the whole issue a bit complicated.
“But the good thing is that in terms of our determination to find a lasting solution to this problem, we understand and appreciate the essence of cooperation” he maintained.
