Stakeholders, military meet on farmer/herder clashes in Plateau

The people of the Butura community in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State have been urged to continue to collaborate with security agencies for the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the state.

The call was made by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, during a stakeholders engagement with the elders of Butura Community in Bokkos LGA at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.

While briefing the GOC, the District Head of Butura, Dr. John Gabriel Makwal, who led the Butura elders delegation to the meeting, expressed his gratitude to 3 Div and OPSH for their tireless effort towards restoring security to their communities.

Speaking through the National President of the Association, Mr. Philip Julson, the District Head noted that the deployment of more troops and enablers in the affected communities gave the people hope and confidence in the security agencies, hence making the displaced persons return back to their various communities.

He equally appreciated the OPSH for providing succor to the communities affected. He further solicited increased security presence in some of the vulnerable villages and the establishment of a military–civil relations committee in the district to enhance a cooperative approach to dispute and conflict management as the harvest season approaches.

Responding, the GOC assured that the military will continue to support and protect the lives and property of the citizenry, welcoming the idea of establishing a civil – military relations outfit in the district; stating that such will enable the hunters and civil security outfit to cover some areas where security agencies were not present.

Abubakar also assured them of the resolve of 3 Division/OPSH to address all the security challenges using both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in the state, urging them to report every security issue to the sector headquarters utilizing the new toll free lines for prompt action.

In another development, the new leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Plateau State Chapter reaffirmed its resolve to work with the Nigerian Army to bring about lasting peace between farmers and herders on the Plateau.

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The proclamation was made by the newly elected executives of the association led by its newly elected chairman in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, during an interaction at the Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment.

In his remarks, Alhaji Ibrahim appreciated the military for the laudable strides towards peace and security on the Plateau, commending the Nigerian Army for its prompt response to security issues emanating from farmers/herders clashes in the state; noting that the military remains the backbone of peace and security in the state.

He thanked the leadership of the Nigerian Army in the state for its neutral stance in resolving security related issues and conflict resolution across all sides of the divide.

The GOC/COPSH appreciated the members of the association for the interaction, noting that one of the major drivers of conflict in Plateau State was cattle-related activities, which requires that all hands must be on deck towards tackling the issue.

Specifically, he charged the executives to usher in peace and positive changes in the state as they come on board. The GOC stressed that lingering issues such as underage grazing, night herding and destruction of farm lands often lead to a vicious cycle of reprisals with attendant loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties.

Therefore, he urged that all actions that could metamorphose into the threats should be discouraged by all, charging them all to continue to talk to the herders, particularly those in the hinterland, on the need to desist from such unwholesome acts and embrace peace as a catalyst for development.

He promised that the Division will continue to be professional, neutral, responsive, and resilient in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities to ensure peace and positive change.