From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
The Minister Of Defence Hon. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has expressed the determination of the Federal Government to put to an end to the recurring farmer/herder conflicts in Plateau state.
He expressed regrets that despite the efforts of both the government and security agencies to nip the clashes in the bud, some elements are still bent on fomenting trouble.
Abubakar stated this in Jos while addressing Community leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders from Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Riyom LGC held at the Maxwell Khobe cantonment, 3 Division, Nigerian Army Jos.
The Minister expressed displeasure over recurring attacks and urged stakeholders to desist from violence, embracing peace for socio-economic growth.
He said that the Federal Government is highly disturbed that some people want to disrupt the current farming season.
He described the clamour for partitioning of communities according to ethno-religious alignment as a recipe for disaster.
According to him, government will not entertain partitioning communities based on ethno-religious alignment, emphasizing living together as an obligation.
“The Federal Government will not entertain such demand capable of causing division and disaffection among Nigerians. Therefore living together is not an option but an obligation. This is evident in Mr President’s firm resolve to fight any secessionist agenda in any part of the country.
The minister said that the aim of the gathering was to interact with critical stakeholders in the state to fashion out modalities to address the latest security concerns, the increasing spate of farm destruction and cattle rustling that culminated in the recent attacks and reprisals in some parts of this State.
He said, “My presence here today is to fulfill my mandate as the Minister of Defence charged with the responsibility for the protection of our National territory both from external and internal aggressions.
“Therefore, I would not relent until the Federal Government of Nigerian and the Ministry of Defence deploy all assets to ensure our people sleep with their 2 eyes closed.
“But firstly, I must first express my displeasure over the recurring attacks and reprisals that resulted in loss of lives and property especially in Jol and Sho in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs in the recent times.
“These killings kept recurring despite the best effort of our security agencies on the Plateau; especially 3 Division/OPSH to ensure amicable settlements during any incidents involving attacks on cattle or farm destruction as well as cattle rustling.
“I am particularly saddened by the stance of some unscrupulous elements in some communities who vowed to disrupt farming activities during the ongoing raining season despite all efforts to resolve the security issues in your localities through diverse means.
“The continuous recurrence of famers/herders clashes not just in the Plateau but across other states of the federation is quite worrisome. As the nature have it, both famers and cattle breeders need each other to survive.
He urged each side of the divide to the desist from violence and embrace peace as the only means for socio-economic growth in the country.
The Minister while Speaking with senior officers and men expressed the delight of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their great performance.
He however urged them to continue to carry out their duties in order to end the lingering insecurity in Plateau State
While lamenting that leaders’ negligence has prolonged security challenges in the state, he called for the need to engage youth to promote peaceful coexistence.
Abubakar noted that criminals exploit situations for personal gain and urged stakeholders to support security agencies in identifying and addressing these threats.
He cautioned against spreading fake news and inciting stories, which escalate violence, and encouraged social media influencers to prioritize national interest.
The Minister however tasks stakeholders to provide realistic solutions for lasting peace, promising the government’s commitment to implementing effective plans.