From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Minister of Defence, Alh. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and destruction of farms in some communities of Plateau State.
Despite ongoing efforts to resolve the issues through dialogue, certain elements continue to disrupt peace efforts.
During a stakeholders’ engagement in Jos, the minister emphasized that these security challenges are not unique to Plateau State but are prevalent in other parts of the country.
He urged both farmers and cattle breeders to prioritize peaceful coexistence, as violence is detrimental to social and economic progress.
“We must learn to coexist peacefully,” the minister stated. “I want to point out that these security challenges are linked to negligence on the part of some leaders who have refused to live up to their responsibilities.”
He stressed the importance of community leaders in fostering peace and stability, noting that their actions can significantly impact the situation.
The minister also called on the youth to reject violence and contribute positively to their communities.
The stakeholder engagement aimed to address the rising concerns of farm destruction and cattle rustling, which have led to recent attacks in the state.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to deploying all necessary resources to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
He condemned the ongoing violence and emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work towards a peaceful resolution.
The minister warned against the spread of fake news and rumors, which can exacerbate tensions and fuel violence.
“We must not allow these criminal activities to continue,” the minister said. “It is important to point out that those perpetrating criminal acts are within your communities.
The criminals responsible for these actions are not driven by any national or religious agenda; they are purely criminals seeking to exploit the situation for personal gain.”
The minister called on community leaders to identify and address the root causes of the conflict, including farm destruction, night grazing, cattle rustling, and cow poisoning.
He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to prioritize peace and avoid actions that could further divide their communities.
The stakeholders’ engagement provided a platform for community leaders, religious leaders, and youth representatives to discuss solutions and contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Plateau State.
The minister expressed hope that the meeting would lead to a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.