Major-General Abdulsalam E. Abubakar, Commander of Operation Safe Haven, has warned criminals in Plateau State to stop hindering farming activities. He emphasized that anyone caught disrupting food production will face strict consequences.
During a Peace Summit on Thursday, Abubakar, represented by Colonel U.S. Abdulsalam, stated, “Achieving food security in Plateau State requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders. We will deal decisively, in line with the law, with anyone planning to disrupt farming activities.”
The summit, held in Barkin Ladi, was organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Operation Safe Haven. It aimed to promote inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue to ensure food security. Participants included youths from Mangu, Bokkos, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom.
Abubakar also cautioned against inciteful and hate speeches, noting that they heighten tensions and harm social cohesion and food production.
“The ethno-religious tensions generated by remarks from some leaders are threatening food security and undermining social cohesion needed for collective progress,” he said.
Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe, the guest speaker, urged participants to promote peace to ensure food security.
He warned, “If we do not ensure food security for ourselves while we are alive, we will soon become food available for others.”
Akpe highlighted the severe impact of violence in Plateau State, with over 12,300 people killed since 2010 and many displaced. He called for policies to protect food and criminalize its abuse, similar to protections for animals and currency.
The summit also included remarks from Polycarp Auta, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, who emphasized the importance of collective efforts to address food insecurity. Goodwill messages were delivered by several dignitaries, including Brig-Gen Gakji Shipi (rtd) and Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu.