From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Stakeholders in the peace process in Plateau and Kaduna states have said that creation of grazing reserves and strengthening of traditional institutions and local government administration will help to eliminate rancour between farmers and herders
They also advocated trust and confidence-building, including gender inclusiveness, as measures to curb constant clashes in the two states.
Speaking at a one-day seminar organised by Forward Operations Base (FOB) of Operations Safe Haven (OPSH) to discuss ways of achieving successful farming season in Sanga general area of Kaduna state, a peace advocate, Dr. Sumaye Hamza, said that establishing grazing reserves and water reservoirs, can help to eliminate schisms between cattle rearers and farmers.
She also said that establishing community-based peacebuilding initiatives, town hall meetings, gender inclusivity can promote inclusive decision-making and governance.
Sumaye, who is a retired permanent secretary in the Plateau State Civil service said that fostering trust and confidence-building measures, create dialogue and communication platforms and strengthening security and early warning system are some of the best Practices for peace-building
She said, “By adopting grazing reserves and corridors to reduce competition for land and other resources and other best practices, we can build trust, promote understanding, and foster peaceful coexistence At the end we all benefit from the peaceful environment where our wellbeing is enhanced, Our community becomes a model that others can learn fro Our harvest will be enhanced and food security ensured
Another stakeholder, Dr. Daniel Ambah, said as the two institutions closer to the grassroots, there is the need to strengthen the traditional institution and local government administration, stressing that the crises had persisted because of the collapse of these two systems.
General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operations Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj Gen. Funsho Oyinlola, who was the guest speaker said that as farming season gradually sets in, the seminar is crucial in ensuring security, peace and prosperity across the communities in the Sanga Local Government area and beyond.
He said that the outcome of the first edition, which according to available statistics resulted in a reduction of clashes and farm destructions by approximately 60%.
“This progress affirms the value of dialogue, collaboration and proactive strategies. Building on that success, this second edition aims to deepen our efforts, revisit ongoing challenges and strengthen our approach to the land. I hope this segment will lead to an even more peaceful and productive farming season.
“As the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, and Commander of Option Safe Havell, I am well aware of the recurring challenges that accompany the farming season including farm destructions and attacks on livestock. This often results in reprisals and the vicious cycle of violence.
“This second edition has been organized to revisit and strengthen our approach to these challenges with a view to achieving a hitch-free farming season. The significance of the agricultural architecture to the development of any state or nation cannot be overstated. Therefore, we must foster an enabling environment where farming and herding activities can be conducted peacefully and without fear.
This seminar provides a vital platform for dialogue and the development of practical methods to improve the environment.
He warned criminals, conflict instigators and those plotting to obstruct farming activities in the coming season that Operation Safe Haven will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone found abetting criminality in accordance with the law.
The guest speakers who spoke on the topic “Peaceful Coexistence Towards A Successful Farming Season”, emphasised the need to protect the sanctity of human kind in approach to indiscriminate attacks on human lives. They urged the people to tolerate one another, thereby making it difficult for crisis to ensue and destabilise the farming season.
The member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Hon Daniel Amos, acknowledged the significant role the seminar will play in preparing the minds of farmers and other stakeholders towards a peaceful farming season.
“He emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining peace and development in the region. Hon Amos further reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote harmony, unity, and security within his constituency and beyond.
Earlier in his address, the Forward Operations Base (FOB) Commander, Major Mohammed Galadima stressed that the seminar is a non-kinetic approach to conflict resolution. He maintained that there must be an enabling environment for the farmers and herders to carry out their duties without fear of conflicts.
The event had in attendance government functionaries, heads of security agencies, religious/traditional leaders, youths, and civil society organisations amongst others.
During the visit, the Commander OPSH commissioned new motorbikes to aid the operational efficiency of troops in difficult terrains, and flagged off a Peace and Unity Football Tournament organised by the FOB to foster unity among diverse groups in the locality.