GOVERNOR Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state, has called on the Federal Government, FG, to develop the seven grazing reserves made available by the state to help address incessant clashes between farmers and herders.
The governor made the call in an address at a stakeholders meeting on farmers/herders crises organised by the state government in collaboration with the presidential committee on farmer/herder crises held in Lafia, the state capital today.
Al-Makura, who was represented by the state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Haruna Iliya Osegba, also suggested the need for the federal and state governments to encourage the establishment of ranches by individuals, groups and organisations for cattle rearing.
He revealed that, as part of measures to promote peace in the state, his government had established community based conflict resolution committees at state, Local Government/Development Area, district and village levels to amicably resolve conflict that might arise from warring parties in a community.
“This strategy has been very effective in resolving conflicts among individuals and communities in the state and it is my belief that this meeting will draw inspiration from this unique broad-based conflict resolution mechanism adoption”
Al-Makura regretted that the outbreak of crisis between farmers and herders at the border communities between Nasarawa and Benue states early this year led to loss of several lives and property worth billions of naira, even as he commended the timely intervention of the Federal Government through its pragmatic measures which he said contributed immensely in addressing the security challenge.
“I must, however, acknowledge the timely intervention of the Federal Government through its pragmatic measures which have contributed immensely in addressing the security challenge in the state, the Benue Valley and, indeed, the Nasarawa State border with Taraba State”
The governor urged participants to contribute freely and recommend appropriate strategies that will nip in the bud, the recurring crisis that has continued to constitute a cog in the wheel of progress and development of the state and country as a whole.
