Plateau NUJ, Correspondents Chapel Partners With Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace to Combat Violent Extremism During Yuletide
Yakubu Busari
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council of the Correspondents Chapel Chairman ,Mr Polycarp Auta has called on the Joint Task Force -Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) and Operation Rainbow for Partnership against violent extremism (PAVE), during the 2025 Yuletide season, and advised residents to maintain peaceful coexistence during and after the period.
Polycarp Auta dropped this cheering news after trekking from the old Airport through Tudun wada to NUJ,Plateau State Council on Saturday by 6am expressed willingness to partner with the security agencies in curbing incessant attacks and exposing criminal elements.
According to him , the chapel is partnering with the security agencies to reduce and stop violent extremism in society through public awareness and advocacy with the theme,’ Towards a peaceful Yuletide ‘ in collaboration with joint task force -operation Enduring peace (JTF-OPEP) .
He expressed confidence in the power of the military /media to champion the fight against violent extremism in the society, believing that journalists have a bigger role to play in ensuring a peaceful society.
Auta stressed the important of hitch free Christmas celebration that violent extremism is not only a security threat, but a societal crisis that thrives on misinformation, division, and despair, adding that the media is capable of shaping narratives, amplifying voices of peace, and holding institutions accountable.
“The Plateau State Council Chairman, Mrs Ayukwu Pasko says , I am honoured to stand before you today as we deepen our collective resolve to prevent and counter violent extremism in our beloved state.
“As you all know, violent extremism or insecurity is not just a security threat—it is a societal crisis that feeds on misinformation, division, and despair and the state is witnessing over three decades of killings and attacks on innocence citizens .
In the face of this, the media remains one of our most powerful allies—capable of shaping narratives, amplifying voices of peace, and holding institutions accountable.
“The Partnering to secure the Yuletide season celebration Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Plateau State Network is a coalition of civil society actors, community leaders, and youth-driven organizations committed to building resilience and promoting inclusive, peaceful communities across the State and the broader regions. But we cannot do this alone. We need the media.
“Though we are professionals trained to ensure developmental journalism for a healthy society, we still need to work closely with you to access your own in-house training to better understand your operations and directions towards achieving this noble objective.
However, our door is always open whenever you need our support and services,” she said.
Dr peter Gag Shamaki commended the Correspondence chapel for organizing the awareness campaign to foster understanding between the joint task force and media in the society.
According to him,“The media is the bridge between truth and perception, between community realities and policy responses.
We are here today to strengthen that bridge. We are here to ask for your partnership in countering hate speech and extremist propaganda by promoting factual, balanced reporting; amplifying peace narratives and community success stories in defusing tensions; educating the public on the root causes of violent extremism and the importance of tolerance and dialogue.
“Today, we call on all media practitioners, editors, broadcasters, and online content creators across Plateau State to commit to responsible reporting that promotes peace, not panic; and help us build a media ecosystem that empowers, informs, and unites.
“Together, let us use our voices—not as tools of division—but as instruments of hope, healing, and harmony for a peaceful society”.
Responding, the STF spokesman , assured them of security support and protection to adequate coverage of events that will promote peaceful coexistence of the people in the society.
“This is a good initiative, and I can assure you and your team that as security who are safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerian , we will do everything within the purview of the law to partner with you in the fight against violent extremism prevent killings .
