The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts in Plateau State.
Speaking during a reconciliatory meeting held on Sunday, the minister expressed deep concerns regarding the persistent clashes that have plagued the region, despite the government’s and security agencies’ efforts to quell them.
The meeting, which took place at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army in Jos, brought together opinion leaders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from the affected local government areas of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and Riyom.
Badaru lamented that certain elements within the communities seemed determined to incite further unrest, jeopardizing the current farming season.
He described the calls for partitioning communities based on ethno-religious lines as dangerous, warning that such actions could lead to a greater disaster.
Badaru said, “The Federal Government is highly disturbed by these developments,” he stated, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders to restore peace and ensure a productive farming season.
“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 aim of this gathering is 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.
“My presence here today (Sunday) 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 two eyes closed.
“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.”
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