The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has reaffirmed the resolve of the Federal Government to keep the nation as one, indivisible country. Badaru made the remarks last weekend during a peace meeting in Plateau State, where he said the government will resist any move by various ethnic groups to leave the country. He explained that there will be no room for secession, saying Nigerians living together is an obligation and not optional.
Badaru said: “The Federal Government will not entertain such demand capable of causing division and disaffection among Nigerians.
“Therefore, living together is not an option but an obligation.
“This is evident in Mr. President’s firm resolve to fight any secessionist agenda in any part of the country.
“My presence here is to fulfil my mandate as the Minister of Defence charged with the responsibility for the protection of our national territory both from external and internal aggression.
“Therefore, I will not relent until the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence deploy all assets to ensure our people sleep with their eyes closed.
“I must first express my displeasure over the recurring attacks and reprisals that resulted in the loss of lives and property especially in Jol and Sho in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs in recent times.
“These killings kept recurring despite the best efforts of our security agencies on the Plateau; especially 3 Division (Nigerian Army)/Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH) to ensure amicable settlements during any incidents involving attacks on cattle or farm as well as cattle rustling.’’
The former governor of Jigawa State also said the government was highly disturbed that some people would want to disrupt the current farming season.
He added: “I am particularly saddened by the stance of some unscrupulous elements in some communities who vowed to disrupt farming activities during the ongoing rainy season despite all efforts to resolve the security issues in your localities through diverse means.
“The continuous recurrence of farmers/herders clashes not just on the Plateau but across other states of the federation is quite worrisome.
“As nature has it, both farmers and cattle breeders need each other to survive.”
