The special taskforce on the Jos crisis, “Operation Enduring Peace,” securing Plateau and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states, has provided food stuffstuff to 50 widows and other vulnerable persons at Gontu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This event, the third in the series, featured sporting activities. Those who participated in the 15-kilometer marathon race received cash awards of 250,000 Naira for the first-place winners in both male and female categories.
Addressing the gathering on Sunday, the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. Eyitayo Funsho Oyilola, revealed that 50 widows and forty other persons living with disabilities were given foodstuffs. The Commander noted, sadly, that most of the widows had lost their breadwinners due to insecurity. He assured the entire community that the joint Taskforce would continue to do its best toward restoring total peace. The palliatives given to the less privileged included 5kg bags of polished rice, cooking oil, and seasoning cubes.
Commenting on the marathon, the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace noted that sport has been a unifying factor and a means of keeping fit. “Sport has served as a bridge,” he said. The security expert urged all to live in peace. “Peace has no substitute,” he emphasized. “Beyond the competition, this race promotes peaceful coexistence among our vibrant ethnic and religious communities and encourages a culture of fitness and discipline. Today, we also recognize the time and strength of our widows and persons living with disabilities.”
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Sector Commander, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Operation Enduring Peace, Sanga Local Government, Maj. Mohammed Galadima, said the palliative and the marathon race were a non-confrontational approach to tackling unrest, and noted that it has been effective over the years. He thanked citizens for accepting and supporting their cause.
“I encourage all residents to provide timely and useful information on the activities of bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements. I urge everyone here to be ambassadors of peace and support Operation Enduring Peace in achieving its mandates”. He reassured the General Officer Commanding; Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General E.F. Oindola, of the strong desire of the people of Sanga to continue living in peace.
On some of the achievements made in providing security to the people, Maj. Mohammed Galadima appreciated sister security agencies for their partnership with the Taskforce in curbing insecurity in the area.
Andarawus Musa won the 250,000naira cash award for the male marathon category; his younger brother, Nathaniel Bulus, who came second, received 150,000 Naira; and Miss Ruth Musa Agishe clinched the 250,000 Naira cash prize for coming first among females. Miss Ruth, in an interview with journalists after the presentation of the award, said she would use the sum to pay her tuition fees.
A total of 39 males and three females participated in the 15-kilometer marathon race; a male participant fell off track and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Beneficiaries of the palliative were excited, praying for God’s protection of the entire Operation.
