Focus on Proliferation of Small Arms, Light Weapons – Pwaspo

From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos

The Nigeria Union of Journalists Plateau State Council has called on stakeholders in the peacebuilding processes in the state to focus attention on the proliferation of Small Arms and light weapons in the state.

State Chairman of the Council, Ayuku Pwaspo Stated this when she received the Plateau State Women Mediation Group supported by a Non Governmental organisation Cleen Foundation.

Our correspondent reports that Issues raised before the Executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists by the leader of the Women mediators, Libabatu Mohammed were the role of women in peace building process in the community, fight against drug abuse and engagements to finding lasting peace among the warring communities.

State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists plateau State Council Ayuku Pwaspo while acknowledging that women remain peace makers in any Society said the visit by the group is coming at a time that the state has witnessed series of crisis .

The NUJ Chairman promised more collaboration with the group to de-escalate conflict and restore peace to affected and all communities at large.

Leader of the delegation who is the Woman Mediator Jos North Libabatu Mohammed said their visit was to seek for more areas of partnership towards sustaining more peace in some parts of the state.

Mohammed added that as part of its commitments towards achieving the needed Peace of the organisation they are meeting with key stakeholders in Jos North, Mangu , Wase and Riyom Local Government Areas to inform them about the mission of the group and solicit collaboration.

According to Libabatu Mohammed, the session also provided a platform for open dialogue and knowledge exchange between critical Media stakeholders , Government, Ministries, Department, Agencies and Mediators.

While answering questions from Journalists during the courtesy visit, Libabatu Mohammed and Senior Programme Officer of the Cleen Foundation Bernard Ekobay said they will engage security agencies, Non state Actors, Peace Building Agency, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Traditional rulers to ensure the Programme is stepped down to women in rural communities.

Our correspondent reports that other women mediators drawn from Mangu, Riyom, Wase, Women in Peace and Security WPS, were part of the delegation.