February 12, 2024
By Reporter with additional content
A former Plateau State Governor, Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of a military barracks in Bokkos Local Government Area to stem the killings in the area and neighbouring Mangu, Riyom and Barkin-Ladi local government areas.
The three LGAs have in the past six months, been under gunmen’s siege, resulting in the killing of many residents and destruction of properties.
The President had directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to coordinate the implementation of the initiative to address the security challenges facing parts of the state.
The president’s approval is said to have followed Dariye’s request to the federal government to that effect.
The barracks will be located at Miller Farm (Gads Buy) in the Mbar District of Bokkos Local Government Area.
The former governor, who is also from Bokkos LGA, and a the facilitator of the initiative, said the recent killings across the state in recent times were alarming and deserved urgent attention to halt the development.
According to him, the barracks, if established, will also serve neighboring Nasarawa State because of its proximity.
Dariye the Kahwung Mushere, explained that once in operation, the barracks would be able to promptly respond to any attack.
The former governor recalled that his administration took a similar initiative to boost security.
He debunked the notion that the land where the barracks would be established had issues.
He added that the issues at stake on the land were being resolved with the state government.
“Just as the state government is not sleeping over these serial attacks on our communities, we, the citizens, are equally not resting to find solutions to the ugly development because it is worrisome and disheartening to see people being killed.
“This initiative is crucial. Once in operation, the barracks will enable the military men to respond on time in case of any attack on villages and communities in these local governments,” he said.
Dariye urged Plateau residents to live in peace and harmony with one another and imbibe the spirit of tolerance.
Dariye’s tenure as governor of the state witnessed outbreaks of the settler/indigene and other ethno-religious crises in the state.
