Attacks: Security agencies advised to take early warning signals seriously

As more Plateau rural communities come under attacks, the UN on Thursday advised security agencies to be proactive by promptly acting on early warning signals of conflict.

Mrs. Sewuese Torkuma, the Gender Technical Advisor of the world body, gave the advice in Jos, during an advocacy visit to the headquarters of `Operation Rainbow’, a state-owned security outfit charged with tackling violence in Plateau.

“The security agencies must be proactive; you cannot wait for the violence to take place before you start chasing the perpetrators.

“You must strive to avert the persistent loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of women and children,” she said.

She urged the security agencies to allow more women to occupy higher positions to enable them play crucial roles in the peace building process.

Torkuma said that the visit was to sensitise `Operation Rainbow’ on the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, which seeks to promote gender parity at all levels of decision making.

In his remarks, Maj. Gen Stephen Ngua’r (rtd), Coordinator of the security outfit, said that it was adopting an all-inclusive policy that would involve everyone in the handling of responsibilities.

He said that the UNDP would soon train the outfit’s staff on information gathering skills and strategies for detecting early warning signals.

Earlier, Mrs. Hassana Ayika, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, had called for more collaboration between the ministry and the security outfit toward implementing the UNSCR 1325.