In a significant initiative to promote peace and agricultural resilience, the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Plateau State, in collaboration with Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), hosted a peace summit aimed at youths from Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The peacesummit held on June 20th at Gwol Hotel in Barkin Ladi which centered on PROMOTING INTER-ETHNIC AND INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY amid growing concerns of unrest and agricultural challenges in the state.
Mr. Polycarp Auta, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, highlighted the summit’s importance in his welcome address, “This peace summit, organized in partnership with Operation Safe Haven, is part of our contribution towards the ongoing peace efforts by the state government and security agencies,” Auta stated. He stressed the summit’s value in promoting peaceful cohabitation among young people from all origins in troubling communities, especially as Plateau State enters the farming season. Auta also underscored the urgency of addressing food insecurity and developing strategies to enable farmers to produce sufficient food for the state and nation at large.
Auta called on the people of Plateau to support Operation Safe Haven’s efforts to eliminate security threats in their communities. He praised the commitment of Major General A.E. Abubakar, the OPSH commander, to the region’s peace, stressing the need for public cooperation with security personnel. He thanked key figures, including retired Brigadier General G.G. Shipi and youth leaders, for their support and participation, and expressed hope that the summit would lead to productive conversations and actionable solutions to the state’s current challenges.
In a keynote address, Major General A.E. Abubakar, GOC 3 Division Nigeria Army and Commander OPSH, represented by Colonel U.S. Abdulsalam, emphasized the summit’s critical role in tackling the food security crisis in Plateau State. He noted that the state is grappling with the repercussions of disrupted farming activities due to community displacements last year, which severely affected agricultural output. “Ensuring food availability in our communities is paramount, especially given the challenges of the previous year,” Abubakar stated.
Abubakar highlighted that many displaced individuals have not returned to their ancestral lands, preventing them from engaging in essential farming activities. This summit, he said, seeks to promote dialogue and resolve hetero-religious issues, thus enabling displaced communities to resume farming and contribute to food security. He warned that unchecked inflammatory rhetoric and mutual distrust have led to violence, farm destruction, and attacks on livestock, which in turn exacerbate food scarcity and community conflicts.
He also emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where agricultural activities can proceed without fear of conflict. “We must facilitate conditions for unhindered food production,” he urged. Abubakar called for a focus on understanding and resolving conflicts between farmers and herders, which disrupt agricultural activities, thereby threatening food security. He advocated for forgiveness and reconciliation as essential steps toward achieving lasting peace and stability.
Major. Gen. Abubakar expressed confidence in the summit’s potential to yield positive outcomes for food security and community cohesion in Plateau State. He urged stakeholders to work together to restore Plateau’s status as a key agricultural hub. By creating a peaceful and cooperative atmosphere, he noted, the state can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for its diverse communities.
Reverend Father Stephen Apke, Ph.D., the guest speaker at the peace summit, delivered a presentation focusing on “Promoting Inter-ethnic and Inter-religious Dialogue Towards Ensuring Food Security in Plateau State.” His presentation aimed to spark awareness of the necessity of dialogue among communities to address conflicts, elevate the role of inter-ethnic and inter-religious interactions, safeguard food cultivation, and apply this knowledge across other local governments. He emphasized that recognizing and appreciating the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds in these regions is essential to achieving peace and security, which directly impacts food production and distribution.
Father Apke highlighted that the communities in Plateau State are products of various ethnic and religious backgrounds, which significantly influence their interactions. He noted that these communities have witnessed considerable rainfall and possess fertile lands, making them rich in agricultural potential. However, despite their natural resources and human capacity, these areas also face significant security challenges, with high rates of conflict-related deaths and missing persons over the years. This instability threatens the cultivation and distribution of food, making dialogue and cooperation even more crucial.
He also discussed the historical and geopolitical factors contributing to the current ethnic tensions. The artificial borders created during colonial times have forced diverse groups into a single political system, leading to conflicts over resources and identity. This situation necessitates a deeper understanding and respect among different ethnic groups to foster a sense of togetherness and mutual benefit. Father Apke stressed that learning to coexist peacefully is a “necessary evil” that requires conscious efforts to understand and accept each other’s differences.
In addressing these challenges, Father Apke urged the summit participants to reject violence and instead embrace dialogue as the path to resolving conflicts. He argued that violence only exacerbates problems and hurts the very communities it intends to protect. By fostering inter-ethnic and inter-religious cooperation, these communities can work together to harness their agricultural potential and improve food security, ultimately benefiting everyone involved. The key takeaway from his presentation was the importance of dialogue and understanding in achieving sustainable peace and prosperity in Plateau State.
During the Peace Summit, Barr. Solomon Mwantiri, President of Youth Moulders (BYM), thanked the organizers and dignitaries, including key military and government representatives. He emphasized the need for peace in Plateau State, urging youth to avoid criminal activities and contribute to peaceful coexistence. Mwantiri called for honesty in peace efforts, stating that all citizens must promote harmony or face legal repercussions. He addressed food security concerns and condemned recent violence, advocating community action against criminal elements to support broader peace initiatives. Similarly, Alhaji Adam Muhammad, Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Barkin Ladi, highlighted the importance of unity among different ethnic and religious groups. He shared his experiences of peaceful coexistence and stressed that individuals should be judged by their actions, not their backgrounds. Muhammad advocated for removing criminals from all communities and promoting fair reporting to avoid fueling conflicts.
