BY Taye Obateru
Jos—The United States of America, USA,  has expressed interest in bringing an end to the recurring crisis in Plateau State to ensure smooth general elections in April.

Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has paid a solidarity visit to Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State,  over the crisis  and urged the Federal Government to be courageous in tackling the security problem in the state and other parts headlong.

US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Terence McCully, said during a courtesy call on the governor Thursday , that the US was interested in Plateau State because of the impact the crisis could have on the forthcoming elections in the country.

He noted that it would be difficult for people to come out to exercise their franchise where there was no peace which he described as “paramount to a successful election” adding that “leaders at different levels must take the issue of peace seriously because of its importance to a credible election.”

“We are here to see what we can do to assist the state. As a friend and a representative of a great nation to a great nation, I have come to partner with you to help in the challenges of the crisis.”

National President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor who led the delegation of the Christian leaders on a similar visit, said they came to reassure the governor of their continued support and prayers for a restoration of peace to the state.

He express confidence  that the state would come out stronger and better from its present travails adding, “anything that has value must be tested; Plateau has great value, that is why it is being tested.”

The team which had Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Bishop Mike Okwonko, Rev. Mercy Ezekiel, Prophet Isah El_Buba and Bishop Jonas Katung said no support for the governor over the problem could be too much.

Responding during the different visits, Jang thanked the visitors for their concerns,  noting that the state and federal governments were cooperating to bring the problem in the state to an end.

He said the new security arrangement which gave him greater control of the security agencies and the planned establishment of a special vigilante group to be known as “Operation Rainbow” would assist in
bringing the crisis to an end.

He said the members of the vigilante group would be trained by the police and would work hand in hand with the Special Task Force maintaining security in the state to check the recurring violence in the state.