By Raymond Gukas, Jos

A Coalition of Lalong Support Groups, a combination of various interest groups in support of Gov. Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State have made a passionate appeal to security agencies to be more proactive in intelligence gathering in order to curb growing security challenges across the state.

They said in a statement in Jos, the state capital and called for cooperation between the security and stakeholders.

The statement signed by Steven Jings, Iliya Ajang and Dalyop Choji however, advised that the relationship between the Security men and the communities need to be improved in order to build more confidence and trust.

While appreciating the effort of the Federal government in tackling security challenges across the nation, the group demanded for more efforts and attention to Plateau State in order to bring an end to the "needless" loss of lives and properties as experienced in the week.

"We also call on the government at all levels, non-governmental agencies and spirited individuals to come to the aid of the displaced persons in the affected communities in order to alleviate their sufferings," it added.
   
The Lalong groups appreciated the role of the press in reporting security issues and peace building in the State, but however charged journalists to avoid sensational reportage capable of "escalating" the situation.
According to them, the "unfortunate" attacks which coincided with the President Muhammadu Buhari's visit to the State has proven that the attackers do not mean well and have "declared war" on the State..

They however,  faulted the way and manner some commentators have reacted to the happenings, suggesting the Lalong administration does not have regards for the sanctity of lives, which was not the case..