Operation SAFE HAVEN Hosts Seminar to Ensure Peaceful Farming Season in Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi
By Ayshatu S. Rabo
Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) today convened a pivotal seminar for key stakeholders across Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi States to pave the way for a harmonious and successful farming season.
Held at the 3 Division Auditorium in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, the event carried the theme “Peaceful Coexistence: Panacea for a Successful Farming Season.”
The seminar, a cornerstone of OPSH’s non-kinetic strategy, brought together critical voices from various sectors within the Joint Operations Area (JOA), encompassing the entire Plateau State, five local government areas of Southern Kaduna, and two from Bauchi State.
Major General AE Abubakar, Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN and GOC 3 Division Nigerian Army, underscored the seminar’s significance in his opening address.
He highlighted the indispensable link between agriculture and national development, emphasizing that a stable and secure environment is essential for both farming and herding to coexist without conflict.
He issued a stern warning to potential disruptors, promising decisive action against any criminal activities that threaten the farming season.
Resource persons at the seminar stressed the importance of human life and called for tolerance and forgiveness to avoid the destructive cycle of reprisals.
They praised OPSH’s Bottom-Top Crisis Resolution Mechanism and encouraged attendees to promote peace at the grassroots level.
Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Brigadier General GG Shippi (Rtd), and Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, represented by Mr. Atiku Sankey, both commended OPSH’s efforts.
They assured continued support from their administrations to aid security operations within their capacities.
The seminar attracted high-profile attendees, including government officials, security agency heads, military officers, traditional rulers, and leaders from farming, herding, youth, and women’s groups, alongside civil society organizations.
The event’s highlight was an interactive session where participants expressed their commitment to fostering peace. To bolster security, OPSH presented patrol motorcycles to Neighborhood Watches for anti-farm destruction patrols in high-risk areas, supporting the security agencies’ efforts.
Operation SAFE HAVEN’s initiative is a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful and productive farming season, reinforcing the importance of unity and cooperation in the region.
Operation SAFE HAVEN Hosts Seminar to Ensure Peaceful Farming Season in Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi