Plateau attacks: Stick to rules of engagement – NUJ urges security agencies

Following the recent security breach in some communities of Mangu LGA of Plateau State, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state has called on all security operatives to be professional and stick to the rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties of safeguarding the lives and property of residents.

The NUJ also called for the strengthening of the community policing architecture through the state security outfit code named Operation Rainbow to accelerate early warning and early response structures across communities in the state.

The Union, in the same vein, urged traditional, community, and religious leaders to always be sincere during peace dialogues to ensure resolutions reached are respected by parties involved in conflict.

This was contained in a press statement made available to journalists in Jos, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Plateau NUJ Council, Ayuku Pwaspo and Mary Domtur, respectively.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State Council, has expressed deep concerns and sadness over the recurrence of unwarranted attacks and killings of innocent citizens in Mangu Local Government Area.

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“The Council commiserates with the people of Mangu, the government and the people of Plateau State over these unfortunate incidents, which led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.

“The union is concerned that despite its reportage and programmes promoting interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence, the state is portrayed as a conflict zone, which puts it in a disadvantaged position globally.

“The Council therefore urges the federal and state governments to scale up efforts towards restoring peace in the affected areas through programmes and policies that provide good and inclusive governance for the growth and development of society.

“It also calls on all security agencies to be professional and stick to the rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties of safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.

“The Union advocates the need to strengthen the community policing architecture through Operation Rainbow to accelerate early warning and early response structures across communities in the state for prompt intervention to end the cycle of violence.

“It urges traditional, community, and religious leaders to be sincere during peace dialogue forums to ensure resolutions reached are respected by parties in conflict aimed at bringing an end to the carnage.”