- By Femi Alabi
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Chris Musa, has said that the social media is largely accountable for the wrong perceptions of the military and the escalations of killings in communities
The CDS while speaking on the neutrality of the military appealed for an understanding between the soldiers and host communities where they were posted to work, assuring Nigerians of military’s commitment to deal with security challenges
He said this in Jos, Plateau State, during a national convention/retreat on civil society/military partnership in mitigating crisis in north central, organised by the Middle Belt Journalists Forum, MBJF.
Represented by Michael Agi, the Chief of Staff at Operation Safe Haven, OpSH, the CDS said: “You have resolved to be a part of a sustainable effort to clear either the misinformation or effects of fake news, especially in the social media, which is largely accountable for the wrong perceptions of the military and the escalations of killings in the region.
“This retreat is coming at the right time when misinformation about our operations is undermining our strong determination to end terrorism and banditry.
“Let me assure Nigerians of the neutrality of the armed forces in dealing with ugly challenges facing the nation generally and the region in particular.
“I have listened to your complaints and we will address them squarely… the soldiers you see fighting for you are your soldiers, they need your support, especially on information.”
In his remarks, Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said his administration was working closely with members of the pen profession towards promoting peaceful coexistence among the people, irrespective of any affiliation.
The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information and Communication, Samuel Tsoho, disclosed that a committee that would chart a way of returning internally displaced persons, IDPs, to their original place of abode was in place.
He noted that the retreat would contribute significantly to addressing the security challenges bedeviling the Middle Belt.
Professor Sampson Terwase of the National Defence College, Abuja, who delivered the keynote address, called for more advocacy and public awareness to enable citizens and the military have a robust understanding in the fight against insecurity.“President of the Forum, Jonathan Ipaa, and other speakers, including the National President of Plateau Initiative for the Advancement of the Natives, PIDAN, Aboi Madaki, called for urgent end to insecurity to ensure food security.
He noted that the Middle Belt’s economy was being attacked, adding that the region had become endangered.
According to him, the food basket is empty and the markets are now occupied by the attackers. “PIDAN decried the fact that farmlands had been taken over by herders who graze and settle on them, chasing the natives into camps.