The meeting brought together stake holders in the town including heads of armed forces, regional administration and civil society groups.

The meeting was convened by top government military officials in order to chat the way forward in securing the town.

Participants called on Al-Shabaab militants in the region to surrender within the next 48 hours.

Commander of the First Bridge of the national army Gen. Abdullahi Ali Anod said together with the local elders, they agreed to jointly work on bolster and maintain the prevailing security situation in the area.

The meeting is said to be part of the government’s efforts to boost security in the town following the fall of the rebel rule in the area.