Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the multi-security task force, maintaining peace in Plateau, Bauchi and some parts of Kaduna, yesterday had a parley on how to stop attacks and counter attacks between farmers and herders, especially in the Northern part of Plateau State.
The meeting, at the OPSH’s headquarters in Jos, had in attendance the Commander of the operation, Major General Ibrahim Ali, representatives of Fulani herders and community leaders of Berom from Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs.
The meeting came amid attacks and counter attacks between farmers and herders in Riyom, Jos South and Bassa LGAs.
Speaking during the meeting, General Ali, who doubles as the Commanding Officer, 3 Division, warned both the herders and the farmers against taking the law into their hands.
He advised them to always report any breach of peace to the personnel of the operation deployed to their areas or any appropriate authority, assuring that OPSH under his watch would do everything possible to ensure justice and fairness to everyone.
He said: “The work is not easy, but it is possible. Attacks and counter attacks must stop. No herder should rear cows on any farm. If any herder is caught rearing or destroying crops he will be dealt with. Again, no farmer should kill cows. If cows eat your crops, report to us. All complaints should be reported to the appropriate authorities before taking any action.
“When it is 6.pm, rearing must stop. We understand that there is a conspiracy of silence among the community leaders. Any community leader found harbouring criminals will be dealt with. Expose any criminal elements among you. Give us a chance, we will ensure justice and fairness among you. We must cooperate before we achieve our desire.”
Davo Dalyop, a resident of Riyom, called for adequate security to enable members of his community to go back to their homes and farms.
The MACBAN Chairman of Barkin Ladi, Muhammad Muhammad, explained that lack of justice and fairness had often been the problem of the 20-year-old crisis.
Benue/Plateau correspondent reports that all the communities at the meeting assured that they would cooperate with the commander to attain lasting peace.
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