Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has promised to assist repentants militias who turned in their arms and ammunitions through collaboration with the Industrial Traning Fund (ITF) BON, PLASMEDA, and other relevant agencies, including local and international organizations to support them in the area of skills acquisition, capacity building, training and direct empowerment.
The governor who disclosed this at the Community-Driven Arms Recovery and Rehabilitation Pilot Programme held in Lantang North local government area of the state assured the repentants militias of the unwavering commitment to working with them and other stakeholders across the State to deliver on the promise of peace and security at all levels.
“Therefore, you should see today’s event as the beginning of a long process of healing the wounds of the past; reconciling communities and also forging a new social compact towards a safe, secure, stable and prosperous society.
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“We know very well that the gains you have recorded in this journey can easily be wiped out if economic re-integration does not follow immediately because when former militants remain impoverished, then they are likely to return to their old ways,” he said.
He urged all citizens to eschew all acts that create hostility, hatred, and disharmony adding that the people of Plateau State deserve peace and prosperity for which they have worked tirelessly in the past four years.
Governor Lalong further appealed to traditional, religious, community, and political leaders to put the interest of the State above personal and group interests.
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