Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has expressed Federal Government’s determination to end the recurring farmer-herder conflicts in Plateau State.
The minister expressed regrets that despite the efforts of both the government and security agencies to nip the clashes in the bud, some elements were hell-bent on fomenting trouble.
Badaru spoke on Sunday during a reconciliatory meeting with opinion leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders from Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Riyom local government areas of the state, at the Maxwell Khobe cantonment, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Jos.
He said that the Federal Government was highly disturbed that some people wanted to disrupt the current farming season, describing the clamour for partitioning of communities according to ethno-religious alignment as a recipe for disaster.
“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.”
The minister urged all communities to desist from violence and embrace peace to ensure socio-economic growth in the country.
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