By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
Sequel to the recent rise of security challenges in some communities of Plateau State, Peace and Security Platforms (PSP) have been inaugurated in Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas of the State.
The PSP which are made up of selected residents from the two aforementioned local government areas will serve as a vital bridge between the community and security agencies, facilitating effective communication, trust-building, and collaboration.
Supported by International Alert in collaboration with CLEEN Foundation, the platforms will also support community initiatives for peace and security, act as a liaison between the community and security agents and provide the necessary guidance and resources for community development projects.
According to some of the terms of reference, the PSP, “Will establish and strengthen systems for early warning and early response to security threats in the project communities.
“This includes the development of effective information gathering, analysis, and dissemination mechanisms to ensure timely and appropriate responses to potential conflicts or security incidents.
“The PSP will further collaborate with community members, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to enhance their capacity in identifying and reporting early warning signs.”
Speaking at the event which held in Jos the state capital, CPS Yakubu Balami said peace is everybody’s business and all and sundry must play their part to ensuring the return of sustainable peace to the state.
Balami who represented the Plateau State Police Command called on the people to pay attention to all the triggers of violence and early warning systems and report same to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.
He also called on the people to accommodate one another, including strangers, but should make sure they are genuine people and should always be on the watch-out for people engaged in nefarious activities and clandestine movements.
Similarly, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Deputy Commandant of Corps, Peter Sambo, said there are different security agencies people can report security threats or suspicious activities to, stressing that they are the first initiators and observers of peace in their communities.
Sambo who represented the NSCDC Commandr said even rumours of violence or attacks should be reported as there is most times element of truth in every rumour.
He called on the people to above all develop the concept of peace and peaceful coexistence, explaining that before anyone can seek or advance peace they should for internalize it within themselves.
Meanwhile, the Program Manager, International Alert, Anicetus Atakpu, said with a collaborative commitment from all quarters and stakeholders, an environment that will nurture peace Harmony and inclusivity can be created .
Atakpu who represented the Country Director, Paul Nyulaku, said all things been equal, voices of communities would be amplified, and that there is an assurance of building positive transformation that will serve a beacon of hope and a testament of the collective determination to secure peace in Plateau State and the nation as a whole for generations to come.
In her own remark, CLEEN Foundation Program Manager, Chigozirim Okoro, said PSP should always be the first examples of the peaceful change they want to see in Plateau, and that when conflict arises they should always stand on the path of truth.
Okoro who represented the Executive Director, Gad Peter, pointed out that the people in the communities should come together and have a united voice and front during conflict so that they can have a common ground and tackling the situation.
Others who spoke were the representatives of the DSS Plateau State, Director General Plateau Peace Building Agency, Chairman Jos South, among others.
And they equally gave their admonition on the need for peace, and also pledged their support and cooperation with the initiative.
