By POLYCARP AUTA

Maj.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, the Commander of the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states, has advised youths to desist from posting unverified and inciting information in the social media.

Okonkwo gave the advice at a one-day Summit the task force organised for Youths Leaders and Social Media Influencers on Monday in Jos.

He said unverified and mischievous social media post had dire consequences, adding that it stirred up crimes which often led to loss of lives and property.

He further said that inciting posts tended to shield the actual criminals in the society and emboldened their tentacles to perpetuate more crimes.

“A single mischievous post aimed at inciting the public against ethnic or religious groups can lead to dire consequences.

“Apart from violence that may lead to death of innocent citizens and destruction of property, the actual criminals are shielded and are emboldened to further perpetuate crime in our communities.

” Balanced and unbiased posts or reports will among other things, help to expose and isolate the criminals and hoodlums, thereby making it easier for security agencies to carry out their duties effectively

” It is essential that we are guided in the way we use social media to report incidents particularly as regards security issues. We have to desist from using the social media to misinform the public or incite people.

“It is always good to get the full details of any incident before we post them, so that our posts or reports are balanced,”he said.

The commander explained that the summit was aimed at consolidating the efforts of security agencies and government in enhancing peace and security of lives and property.

He said that the event was organised in collaboration with the Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative ( GOPRI).

“The aim of this summit is to build on the efforts made by the security agencies and the Governments of Plateau and Kaduna states to enhance peace and security.

“The importance of this summit for youth leaders and social media influencers cannot be over emphasised, considering the role of youth leaders and impact of social media on our society; particularly in terms of security and peace building

“That’s why Operation Safe Haven has partnered GOPRI to ensure that this summit is held without further delay.

“As youth leaders and social media influencers, you are critical to our efforts to ensure peace and security in your communities. As future leaders, this is the time to start building capacity and acquiring relevant skills so as to be able to contribute to the development of your respective communities, states and the nation,”Okonkwo added.

Declaring the event open, Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau described the summit as timely, adding that the programme would further consolidate the peace process in the state.

Represented by Mr Cornelius Shailbail, Permanent Secretary Cabinet and Special Duties, Lalong thanked the military for the initiative.

He advised young people to desist from peddling rumours, particularly in the social media, pointing out that such practice had done more harm than good to the society.

“Information, they say, is power, but negative information easily destroys the society.

“Violence has no tribe or religion; it doesn’t spare anyone, rather, it destroys. So, as young people, let us spread information that builds our society, rather than destroy it, ” he said.

The governor thanked the security agencies in the state for supporting and cooperating with his government in its efforts to ensure that lasting peace returned to all parts of the state.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the summit is:“ Harnessing Social Media Potentials for Building Peace Architecture and Community Resilience Forum in Plateau, Southern Kaduna and Nigeria”. (NAN)

•PHOTO: STF Commander, Representative of Gov. Lalong and other heads of security agencies at the summit

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