The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has assured that the federal government will continue to strive to reduce farmer-herder clashes in Plateau State to zero.
The Minister gave the commitment while speaking in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, on Sunday, when he held a meeting with opinion leaders, traditional rulers, and security agencies. He expressed concerns over the violence that has taken over the state in the past years despite efforts by the government to address the crisis.
The was held yesterday at the the 3 Division headquarters in Bassa Local Government in order to discuss the critical issues needed in addressing the farmer headers crisis in the state.
The Minister noted that speaking about the division of the communities into religious lines is bad for the communities and has vowed that the government will do its best to ensure that the division of the communities across religious lines is not tolerated. He noted that living together in peace was the best option for all the religions in the state.
The minister noted that it was important for the farmers and the headers, who are the parties in the crisis, to embrace peace with the recognition that their interdependence for socio-economic growth was important. He appreciated the efforts made by the security agencies in curbing the escalation of the crisis, noting that President Bola Tinubu appreciates their efforts in the fight against any form of loss of life and property.
The minister urged farmers and herders to renounce violence and embrace peace, recognizing their interdependence for socio-economic growth. He also commended security personnel for their efforts and expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for their performance.
The minister also disclosed that his presence in the state was aimed at fulfilling his mandate as the Minister of Defence, which is responsible for protecting National territory from external and internal aggressions. He assured that the Ministry would not relent on its work until the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ministry of Defence deploy all assets to ensure our people sleep with their two eyes closed.
He expressed his displeasure over the attacks in the state that have continued to reoccur several times, which have also led to reprisal attacks, especially in Jol and Sho in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs in recent weeks and months. He noted that the killings have continued to reoccur even with the best efforts of the 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.
The minister who criticised the communities noted that he was disappointed. The minister also expressed displeasure over the stance of some community members who are disrupting farming activities during the ongoing rainy season.
Him he noted that he was sad with the efforts of some individuals in the communities who have continued to disrupt the peace process initiated by the communities and government through the constant disruption of farming activities in the local communities during the rainy season, which is best for farming.
He further expressed concern about the rate of the farmer header crisis, which has taken over not just the state but also other states in the country, explaining that the two need to sustain their relationship to encourage good survival.
Responding to the comments of the minister
Speaking with senior officers and men earlier, the minister said President Bola Tinubu is very pleased with their performance.
He urged them to continue to do their job to put an end to the lingering crisis on the Plateau.
