By Marie-Therese Nanlong, Jos

To mitigate the growing attacks on farming communities in Plateau State, the Senator representing Plateau Central in the National Assembly, Diket Plang has called for a change in grazing policy and advocated the adoption of technology in both livestock and crop farming.

Plang, whose constituency includes the Mangu and Bokkos local government areas where recent attacks claimed hundreds of lives insisted that one’s profession should not seek to impede on others but there should be a simultaneous growth that would guarantee peaceful coexistence and development.

Speaking with journalists in Jos on Tuesday, the Senator pointed out that the issue of attacks in Plateau should be seen as a national issue because facts on the ground reveal that there is forceful occupation of attacked communities which is a pointer that land grabbing is real in the State.

His words, “… I commend President Bola Tinubu for the commitment to address the Plateau issue, this is a departure from what was obtained in the past. It gives us a sense of belonging and our trust in the government has increased because the government is concerned about the issue of lives. Our cry in Plateau has reached heaven…

“We need a permanent solution to the Plateau issue, criminality has crept in, security should be heightened at the entry and exit points in the State… The Plateau issue should be more nationalistic. There is the aspect of land grabbing, the facts are there. Plateau has accommodated Nigerians for a very long time, and that attitude has not changed. Nigerians should speak out for Plateau State and not allow it to be only the Plateau voice.

“The humanitarian assistance should include the provision of building materials for the rebuilding of destroyed homes so that the owners could return home and the security personnel should be stationed at strategic locations to give the people a sense of safety… Statutory roles should be given to the traditional rulers and they should be empowered constitutionally…

“We need to change our grazing policy and adopt technology in livestock and crop agriculture. Local producers should be supported to improve production, your profession should not impede on mine, there should be a simultaneous growth for every profession to grow…”

The Senator also urged Nigerians to ensure to register and have their NIN, stating that, “The 2024 budget is very inclusive and having the NIN will benefit Nigerians in no small measure.”