As the agitation for equity gained currency among agitating ethnic nationalities, the federal government at the weekend said it would not entertain the balkanization of any part of the country.
It also explained that there will be no room for secession, as Nigerians living together is an obligation and not optional.
Certain groups have been campaigning to be allowed to exit the Nigerian union brought together under the separate Southern and Northern protectorates by Lord Lugard in 1914.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonialists in 1960, before the country fought a bitter civil war for almost three years between 1967 and January 1970.
Minister of Defense Mohammed Abubakar reaffirmed the indivisibility of the country at the weekend during a peace meeting in Plateau State, saying, “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”, he said.
The minister further assured of government concerns, stressing, “My presence here is to fulfil my mandate as the Minister of Defense 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 Defense 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 farms as well as cattle rustling.’’
Badaru, a former governor of Jigawa State, also said the government was highly disturbed that some people would want to disrupt the current farming season.
He further said, “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”, he said.
