Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The General Officer Commanding, 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has issued a strong warning to crisis merchants in Plateau State, cautioning them not to ferment trouble towards the coming farming season.
He said troops will be on alert to resist any attempt to drag the State into another round of crisis.
The Army boss said farmers and herders who are not law abiding should seek alternative places of abode, hence the strategy put in place to catch and prosecute criminal elements will catch up with them.
He vowed that the state must have a hitch free farming season, noting that the gains of peaceful coexistence by his predecessor must be sustained.
Traditional and religious leaders, who are the custodians of values and peace, must use their influence to promote dialogue, tolerance, and conflict resolution.
“Women and youths, who are the heartbeat of any society, must also be willing to actively participate in shaping the future of the State.
“While we continue to collaborate with communities to provide timely and effective responses to security challenges, the cooperation of stakeholders is vital towards sustaining peace at the critical period of farming”, he said.
The GOC who spoke during the engagement with stakeholders from Mangu Local Government Area of the State in a series tagged Towards Peaceful Coexistence and A Secure Farming Season, said the engagement was also motivated by the successes recorded through other engagements in the past.
“Security remains the bedrock of any society’s progress, without which economic activities, including farming and herding, cannot thrive. Mangu and indeed the entire Plateau State is endowed with rich agricultural resources that must be safeguarded for the benefit of all.
“It is therefore imperative to continue to build on the successes recorded so far in enhancing security and fostering peaceful coexistence. OPSH remains fully committed to ensuring peace and security in the State and beyond.
“Over the months, OPSH has intensified efforts in securing communities, preventing attacks, and responding decisively to security threats. However, as we move towards another farming season, we must all recognise that security is a collective responsibility. No single security agency can achieve lasting peace without the cooperation and commitment of the people.
“Therefore, this engagement is to build upon these gains even as we prepare for the forthcoming farming season. We must be determined to consolidate on the gains made so far by ensuring that the forthcoming farming season is devoid of incidents that threaten the security of lives and property. Also, the period should not be seen as an opportunity to avenge real or perceived grievances,” he said.
In their responses, the CAN Chairman Mangu LGA, JNI, Miyetti Allah, Mangu Youth Leaders and other Stakeholders emphasised on the need to identify troublemakers amongst them and serve them with the desired justice.
Mangu stakeholders stressed the need for lands forcefully taken from them be returned for peace to be achieved.
In his remarks however, the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Workers Welfare, Hon Titus Alams said the Governor has taken a proactive step in instituting a Livestock Ministry in other to contain the farmer- herder conflicts.
Mutfwang said his ultimate goal is to ensure that lasting peace is achieved by the end of his tenure.
