By Israel Joel
Due to hostilities between Fulani and some communities in Plateau State that led to loss of lives and properties, the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) deployed to restore peace in the state on Monday organized a peace/mediation meeting between the two warring tribes the Fulani’s and Berom residing in the state.

The war zones in contention are between the two warring tribes communities of the Fulani’s and the Brooms in Riyom, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of the state, which prompted the mediation.

In attendance in the meeting had Government officials, Traditional Rulers, community and youth leaders from Berom and Fulani extractions aimed at functioning ways to curb all forms of insecurity in the areas.

The Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Major Gen. Dominic Onyemelu, who has the task of protecting Plateau, Bauchi, and some parts of Southern Kaduna, while speaking appeal to both parties to bury their swords and embrace peace.

He calls on all the parties to bear their minds on their grievances and then forgives one another, adding that they are committed to finding the lasting solution to peaceful coexistence is our responsibility.

He said the meeting, which is the second held in July is basically to ensure lasting peace returns to the areas and Plateau in general.

He said lasting peace can not be enforced, but be achieved through the people’s resolve to tolerate and embrace one another devoid of ethnic or religious sentiments.

“We are here today in search of peace. Twelves days ago, we all met here and agreed we will go back to our communities and consult with our people on ways to entrench peace.

“This meeting is for us to present our positions and agree on ways to promote harmonious relationship amongst us.

“This is simply to enable both the herders and farmers to live in peace without any rancor or disagreement that may lead to insecurity,” he said

Onyemelu further assured that the task force would continue to remain neutral and professional in discharging its function.

He called on the people to continue to support and cooperate with it so as to achieve lasting peace in the state.

Da Simon Jok, the District Head of Riyom, who read the resolutions on behalf of Berom stakeholders in Riyom and Jos South, thanked OPSH for its determination to ensure lasting peace is achieved in the state.

Jok called on the state government to implement the recommendations of the peace and reconciliation committee it set up in 2015, adding that such a move would ensure lasting peace in the state

“After our last meeting, we went back and met with our people and agreed to call on the state government to implement the agreements reached in 2015.

“The peace and reconciliation committee developed a white paper and recommendations that will bring lasting peace in the state but has not been implemented

“The report of that committee has the solutions to all the problems that usually lead to attacks and counter-attacks.

“If the resolution of the white paper is implemented people will naturally live in peace,” he said.

On his part, Alhaji Mohammed Nuru, the Chairman of the Plateau chapter of the Meyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), called on the government to check the indiscriminate act of cattle rustling and other criminal activities in areas.

He called on the government to ensure all restricted areas in communities are open to both natives and Fulani

He urged regular joint security meetings in the areas, adding that such a move would promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.

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Nuru said “We condemn in strong terms destruction of farm produce and night grazing.

“We discourage underage grazing unless being accompanied by adults,”

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Joseph Lengmang, the Director-General, Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), thanked the stakeholders for their commitment toward ensuring a peaceful Plateau.

He said the government would look into the recommendations made to see possible ways of addressing them with a view of promoting peace and tranquility.

Lengmang, however, called the people to be sincere in dealing with one another, particularly, on issues that border on the security of lives and property.