By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar has charged a 17-Man Peace Implementation Committee, to ensure all visiting herders identify themselves with the leader of Fulani (Ardo), in their respective localities for proper profiling.
The Commander stated this on Wednesday at the headquarters 3 Division Rukuba Barracks near Jos, during the inauguration of a committee saddled with the responsibility of finding a lasting solution to the lingering crisis in Bassa LGA of Plateau State
“All visiting herders must identify themselves with the Ardo in their respective communities for proper briefing on the extent of the laws of grazing in the affected communities”, Gen. Abubakar said while administering the oath of office to the 17-Man committee.
According to him: “You are to work out the modalities to achieve peace and reconciliation between the various tribes in Irigwe Land in Bassa LGA of the State within the next 3 months.
“You are to implement the recommendations of the 36-Man Joint Committee earlier inaugurated to work out modalities to achieve peace and reconciliation between the various tribes in Bassa, Jos North and South as well as Riyom LGAs of Plateau State”, he said.
Abubakar said the specific terms of reference for the committee includes to work out modalities to prevent the identified root causes of clashes between the various ethnic groups in Irigwe Land.
“Emplace stringent measures to prevent inciting and inflammatory comment(s)/remark(s) which often trigger crises in Irigwe Land.
“Take appropriate steps to document all visitors including migrant herders coming into Irigwe Land.
“Implement measures to restore peace and confidence between farmers/herders and other residents of Irigwe Land by preventing farm destruction, preventing attack on cattle, cow poisoning and cattle rustling.
“Preventing isolated attacks on farmers, communities and herders. Encourage community leaders to work in synergy to ensure perpetrators of attacks are fished out and handed over to security agencies.
“Obstruction of justice must also be seriously sanctioned and condemned. Strategize to implement the law prohibiting underaged herders and the ban on grazing after 6 pm.
“Strategize ways of retrieving proliferated weapons in circulation within Irigwe Land. Implement measures aimed at preaching peace and peaceful co-existence among the residents of Irigwe Land.
“Implement the modalities for forming joint vigilante groups cutting across all sides of the divide in Irigwe Land.
“Craft and implement a strategy for enforcing agreed decisions adopted by the committee in the event of any differing member(s) of the committee.
“Carryout periodic briefing on monthly basis after the inauguration of the implementation committee and identify milestones in order to evaluate the progress made on the implementation process.
“Any other measures deemed necessary by the Committee to ensure genuine resolution of the contending issues to encourage the groups/committees towards peaceful coexistence.
“The Committee members are expected to be impartial, honest, upright and devoid of any form of sentiment or compromise in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Please hit the ground running. Let me have your logistic requirements before the end of the week specifically by Friday 17 May 2024.
“Be rest assured OPSH would fully support the realization of your mandate through the prompt provision of the requisite enablers you need to operate and perform optimally”, the Army boss said.
