Learn to live in peace, Buratai tells Riyom communities

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Friday urged communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau to maintain the prevailing peace in the area by living in harmony.

Buratai gave the advice, while inaugurating a medical centre built by the army for troops of the Operation Safe Haven at Tigi in the local government and civilians in the community.

He said the centre was cited in the village as part of army efforts to enhance good relations between the people, communities in neighboring Kaduna State bordering the town and troops keeping the peace in those areas.

It was reported that communities in the area had witnessed ethno-religious and herdsmen/farmers clashes in the recent past.

“We must learn to live in peace and be our brother’s keeper, ” he said and urged the people to take advantage of the centre in addressing some of their health challenges.

The Chairman of the local government, Mr Mafeng Gwalson noted that the area had witnessed number crises since its creation in 1996, but expressed happiness that it was now safer with the deployment of troops in the area.

Gwalson, however, urged the army chief to further beef up security in the area, especially as the rainy season approaches, noting that it was a period when herdsmen/farmers clash.

A representative of UNICEF/WHO, commended the army for deploying troops to the area, saying that with security provided by the troops, over 2,000 children were immunised at check points in the area during the last exercise.