Lalong descending from the watchtower.
By M. Peter – Jos
Efforts to stem the tide of insecurity in Jos, the Plateau state have received a boost as the government has erected a security facility at the Dutse Uku area of the city with a watchtower attached to it so that security personnel who man the tower could keep a watch at the city and issue early signal in the event that there is a breach of peace.
The state Governor, Simon Lalong who inspected the progress of work at the facility assured citizens of his administration’s commitment to strengthen and consolidate on the peace process in the State and warned all trouble makers to stay away from the State because the government will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone found causing disharmony or beating the drums of war.
He reminded the people that communities need to continue to work together to foster peace and good neighbourliness stressing the initiative will help curb conflicts situations before they escalate to violent.
The Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services Cornelius Shiolbial who took the Governor round the facility explained that the project is geared at ensuring that there is an early warning system to pre-empt conflicts and nip them in the bud saying, “The idea behind this is to have a permanent security presence here that consists of security personnel and representatives of the community who will be working hand in hand to ensure that the whole area is under surveillance and any threat to peace is detected and dealt with on time.
“The structure here provides offices, watch facilities and a conference hall where they can meet and analyse whatever is observed and possibly diffuse any tension. The security team headed by the Operation Rainbow will run shifts and use the watchtower which is well positioned to observe large parts of the City.”
The Governor commended the initiative and the quality of work at the facility noting, “We are happy that today there is more understanding among the people; where everyone recognizes the importance of peace, reconciliation and harmony. We have to work together to promote good neighbourliness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. This initiative will help us address issues before they escalate and ensure that criminals are not allowed to again cause strife among the people.
“I climbed up to the tower and could see almost all parts of the city of Jos. This should tell those who are criminally minded that I will be watching you and send the security agencies to track you down and get you arrested. We have done a lot to ensure that people live in peace and nobody will be allowed to change that.”
