The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged for prompt and collaborative efforts to address the escalating security challenges in Plateau State.
Addressing key leaders from Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, and Wase local government areas during a stakeholders’ engagement at the 3 Division Auditorium in Maxwell Kobe Cantonment, Jos, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to tackle ongoing violence, particularly incidents of farm destruction and cattle rustling that have heightened regional tensions.
He stated “The aim of this gathering is to interact with critical stakeholders in the state, to fashion out modalities to address the ongoing security concerns, particularly the increasing rate of farm destruction and cattle rustling,”
“My presence here today is to fulfill my role as the Minister of Defense, charged with the responsibility of protecting our national territory from both external and internal aggression. Therefore, I will not relent until the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ministry of Defense deploy all necessary assets to ensure that our people are safe and can sleep with both eyes closed”.
Abubakar expressed his displeasure over the recurring violence despite the efforts of security agencies and highlighted the role of the 3rd Division Operation Safe Haven in trying to maintain peace.
“But firstly, I must first express my displeasure over the recurring attacks and reprisals that resulted in loss of lives and property especially in Jol and Sho in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs in the recent times.
“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” he added.
He called for immediate action from stakeholders, urging them to take responsibility for the security situation.
Addressing concerns raised during the engagement, he reassured attendees that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, would carefully consider the recommendations made by stakeholders and engage in the pursuit of long-lasting solutions to the crisis.
He emphasized that open and honest discussions are vital in crafting a practical strategy to address the underlying causes of insecurity in the region.
Abubakar reiterated that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective efforts, which includes the active involvement of community leaders in preventing violence.
“Farmers and cattle breeders need each other to survive, and I call on both sides to desist from violence, as peace is the only path to social and economic growth in our country,” he noted.
Additionally, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi, Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety, expressed optimism about the outcomes of the stakeholders’ engagement, highlighting the positive developments that arose during the discussions.
He acknowledged the significance of such dialogues in tackling the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State and underscored the potential for meaningful solutions to surface from the collaborative efforts of all participants.
Similary,Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), emphasized the importance of such meetings in addressing Plateau State’s security challenges and highlighted the role of previous engagements in promoting dialogue and reducing violence.
Abubakar commended the efforts of security agencies and local leaders in working together to find sustainable solutions and urged community leaders to seize the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to peace efforts and, upon returning to their communities, to continue promoting harmony.
“The security agencies remain resolute in our efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, and our actions are yielding positive results. As you return to your communities, I urge you to continue promoting peace and educate your people on the destructive impact of violence,” he noted.
