By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Abdusalam Abubakar, reported that criminal suspects had attacked and destroyed crops on over 50 farmlands in Plateau and Kaduna States between April and May.
Speaking at a seminar in Jos on Tuesday, Mr Abubakar, who also serves as the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, near Jos, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
According to him, during the period under review, the division experienced over 20 cases of attacks on cattle. Mr Abubakar noted that the seminar, themed ”Peaceful Coexistence: Panacea for a Successful Farming Season,” aimed to address food security concerns in the country.
”Between April and May alone, we have recorded over 50 cases of destruction of crops on farmlands in Plateau and Kaduna States. In the same period, we recorded 20 attacks on cattle, and in one of the instances, over 280 cows were killed.”
“The government is worried over the rising food insecurity in the country, so farmers and herders must come together to find a lasting solution to the persistent clashes in communities.”
The commander urged the people to refrain from destructive practices such as night grazing, cow poisoning, and deliberate destruction of crops on farmlands, as these behaviors contribute to conflicts in the area. He warned that individuals caught engaging in such activities would face legal consequences.
Additionally, Mr. Abubakar called upon residents of the affected states to support security agencies in their efforts to address all forms of insecurity in the region. He emphasized the critical role of the agricultural sector in the country’s overall development, emphasizing the need for farming and herding to coexist peacefully.
Also, Deputy chief Imam of Jos Central mosque, Sheik Ghazali Ismail Adam, highlighted the long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria.
“Conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria has been occurring for several years and has caused distrust amongst communities, loss of livelihood, and food insecurity.” He emphasized.
Rev Father Boniface Nkum also spoke on the theme of peaceful coexistence, recommending that the government should secure farmers and their lands, invest in modern security gadgets, and provide a reward system for military personnel.
He urged community leaders to identify informants and traitors within their communities and report them to security operatives.
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