PCNI Advocates Peace in Mambilla Plateau
Following the fact finding mission undertaking by the Presidential committee on the North East Initiatives (PCNI) and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) which showed the entrenched level of community distrust, fears and apprehension that have affected the peaceful coexistence of the people of the Mabilla-Plateau, leading to destruction of lives and properties, the PCNI, in collaboration with IPCR with the support of United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) organized a one day community stakeholders Peacebuilding Town hall meeting dialogue for the people of the Mabilla-Plateau on the 26th of September, 2017 at the Teachers hall, Gebu, in Taraba state.
The Chairman, Presidential Committee on the North East Initiatives PCNI, Lt. Gen. T.Y Danjuma stressed that peaceful coexistence was the only panacea for development. He said the Federal Government efforts at building a Hydro-power station in the Mabilla Plateau which will speed up development can only be achieved if there is peaceful coexistence. He said there was need for mutual respect and tolerance between members of the community for peace to be attained.
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Speaking further, Lt. Gen. T.Y Danjuma represented by Brig. Gen. HPZ Vintenaba, chairman subcommittee on Peace, Stability and Security assured the various ethnic groups i.e the Fulani, the Kuka Paso, Yoruba, Kabu, Igbo and others that the PCNI is committed to whatever initiative the people will agree on to ensure peace in the Mabilla Plateau.
The Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Oshita O. Oshita represented by Mr. Mbah Chukwuemeka, said the wall of hatred must be broken to build a future for the children of the Mabilla Plateau. while the Taraba state coordinator of UNHCR, Mr. Daniel Bisu decried the recent crises in the Plateau inspite of UN efforts through the construction of the Toga dam that is supplying 4,000kw of electricity to Kakara community aimed at engaging the people in productive ventures. He urged the people to embrace peace to enable their brothers and sisters taking refuge in Cameroon return home.
The Chief of Mabilla, Dr. Audu Baju, Acting Chairman, Sardauna Local Government Area, Rev. Godwill Sol. all thanked the PCNI, IPCR and UNHCR for taking steps at finding lasting solution to the crises while the women group, Youth group and community leaders at the end of the meeting accepted that for the sake of development, peaceful coexistence was the only remedy.
Odutayo Oluseyi
