A new dawn of peace and security has broken for farming communities in Plateau State, as the Special Military Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has pledged maximum protection for farmers.
Abdusalami Abubakar, a Major General, and Commander of OPSH made this promise in Jos, at a peace summit organised by the Plateau State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), with the theme “Promoting Inter-Ethnic And Inter-Religious Duologue: Towards Ensuring Food Security In Plateau State”.
The summit brought together youths from five local government areas, including Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South affected by terrorist attacks.
Abubakar emphasised that the task force will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt farming activities, ensuring food security in the state.
Represented by US Abdulsalam, a Colonel, Abubakar also warned against ethno-religious tensions, which threaten social cohesion and food security.
“I would like to send a strong warning to criminals and those planning to obstruct farming activities during this rainy season, which could result in food scarcity in the coming year. Operation Safe Haven will not hesitate to deal decisively, in line with the law, with anyone planning to disrupt farming activities or cause harm”.
Polycarp Auta, Chairman of the chapel, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of collective efforts towards peace and food security.
He said the summit aimed to promote dialogue and address security challenges in the state, adding that with this assurance, farmers in Plateau State can now cultivate their lands without fear of attacks or destruction.
“As the farming season set in, and Plateau being an agricultural hub, we also wish to use this medium to remind ourselves of the looming food insecurity in the country and the desire to develop a collective approach that will allow farmers to cultivate enough food to feed the state and the nation in general. This, therefore, informs the choice of the topic for this summit.
“Also, we are strongly convinced that dialogue serves as a major avenue for people to air out their views, concerns, and suggestions, hence, hope that this event will elicit conversations and change our mindsets toward addressing the current security challenges bedeviling our dear state” Polycarb added.
BusinessDay observed that the collaboration between OPSH in its commitment to food security has ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity for the state.
