. . . Meets retired senior military officers of southern Kaduna, stakeholders

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, on Friday paid a visit to Kaduna State as part of efforts by the Nigerian military to restore peace to the state.

He assured the people that “a new era of peace in southern Kaduna has come”.

The defence chief gave hope of peace when he held a crucial meeting with critical stakeholders drawn from five local government areas in Southern Kaduna under the Joint Operation Area of Operation SAFE HAVEN.

He however said that security of the communities goes beyond military deployment.

“The CDS also warned the people of the dangers of habouring criminal elements, revealing that, with sincere commitment to the suggestions discussed, the days of the enemies of peace are numbered.” This is contained in a statement issued by Military Information Officer OPSH, Major Ishaku Takwa.

Irabor, who also met with retired senior military officers of southern Kaduna extraction on ways towards ending the incessant attacks in the area, harped on ensuring lasting peace in Southern Kaduna.

According to the statement, the CDS gave the warning while responding to comments and suggestions from community leaders and representatives of various groups.

“He noted the significance of collaboration and support to security agencies and cautioned the people against taking the law into their hands.

“The defence chief further encouraged the formation of joint security committee of all the diverse communities to work out sustainable modalities towards enduring peace in southern Kaduna.

“While urging the people to always report offenders to the community leaders and security agencies, the CDS warned the pastoralists to decrease from night and underage grazing,” the statement said.

In his remarks, the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, said that the state government will continue to encourage the people to live together as brothers.

According to the governor, “Peace is second to none for societal development”. El-Rufai spoke through the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Honourable Samuel Aruwan.

The governor revealed that his administration is collaborating with neighbouring states to stem interstate banditry and criminalities in the region. He appealed for increase presence of the military in vulnerable communities.

Those who spoke during the stakeholders meeting were representatives of Fulani, Atiyap, Hausa, Kagoro and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as well as Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI). Others include: representative of the traditional rulers, representative of Members of House of Representatives and state House of Assembly, senator representing Kaduna South, representative of retired senior officers and President, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union.

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