Southern Kaduna: Nigerian Army denies killing 17 herdsmen

Nigerian Army has refuted social media reports on the alleged killing of 17 herdsmen by soldiers in southern Kaduna.

Kingsley Umoh, deputy director, army public relations of 1 division, dismissed the report as unfounded and irresponsible.

In a statement, he said that the mandate of the army in the area was to restore peace and ensure mutual coexistence among the people, and warned those spreading the false reports to desist.

He said that personnel deployed to the area have developed robust relationship with traditional rulers, community leaders, the Miyetti Allah and other stakeholders.

“We appeal to citizens, community leaders and other stakeholders to always speak and act in the interest of peace,” he said.

“It serves no useful purposes to continue to fabricate stories about the already delicate security situation in southern Kaduna.”

Umoh said that the army remained committed to the return of peace to the entire area.

According to him, soldiers deployed to the area have been conducting cordon and search operations and have tracked down suspects believed to be involved in some recent security breaches in the area.

“In total, two miscreants were killed and two are in custody in Southern Kaduna within the period of March 19 to March 22 , 2017.”

The spokesperson said troops have also maintained day and night patrols along Gidan Waya-Jagindi-Asso road and environs.

 

Source: The Cable

Herdsmen invade Prison Farm Centre in Benue, kills inmate.

The Benue Prisons Service on Monday confirmed that herdsmen invaded its Jato-Aka Farm Centre and killed an inmate, one Tersoo Agidi.

Stephen Nwanchor, the Public Relations Officer of Benue Prisons Service, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi that the incident took place on Saturday at the farm centre.

Mr. Nwanchor said the invasion was not a failed jail break attempt.

“This is a new farm centre established in January, 2017. The herdsmen invaded the place, destroyed property, shot and killed one Tersoo Agidi, an inmate.

“We have evacuated all the remaining inmates from the farm centre to Gboko, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We are not taking anything for granted. My Controller of Prison is on top of the issue, and all relevant security operatives in the state have been notified,” Mr. Nwanchor said.

The PRO said the service was investigating the invasion to ascertain the remote cause, noting that no arrest had been made so far.

Mr. Nwanchor said the service had tightened security in and around all its facilities in the state, assuring that there was no cause for alarm.

 

Source: NAN

Herdsmen, farmers clash averted by Police in Bayelsa State.

The Police Command in Bayelsa said it has foiled a clash between herdsmen and farmers in Agudama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Bayelsa Government had donated a grazing land to herdsmen and subsequently banned indiscriminate and open grazing in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Asinim Butswat, said on Friday that the operation which averted the clash was led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

“On March 19, 2017, at about 10 a.m., His Royal Majesty, Obadiah John Osumu, King of Akenfa-Epie Community raised an alarm about herdsmen activities in Akenfa Community.

“Consequently, an Assistant Commissioner of Police led a team of policemen to the scene.

“The team noticed heavy movement of cattle in the area but diverted them to avoid destruction of farmlands,” Mr. Butswat said.

The spokesperson advised community leaders in the state to maintain peace and always partner with the police to prevent crime in their communities.

 

Source: NAN

Protesters storm National Assembly over herdsmen attacks.

Hundreds of protesters yesterday stormed the National Assembly (NASS) complex in Abuja to draw the attention of the federal lawmakers to the renewed killings of persons by suspected herdsmen in some farming communities of Benue State. They were, however, denied entry by some 200 armed policemen.

Apparently miffed by the incident, the protesters challenged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to rather deploy his men to halt the maiming at Tombo Mbalagh in Buruku Local Council of the state.

Led by the Movement Against Tiv Massacre (VATIM), the protesters registered their annoyance at the killing last weekend of 10 persons in the council area by herdsmen. The sad incident, they added, prompted Governor Samuel Ortom to issue a 48-hour ultimatum to security agencies in the state to fish out the culprits.

According to him, the decision was informed by the need “ to protect the lives and property” of the citizens just as he reiterated the directive to have the erring herdsmen arrested and prosecuted.

He told newsmen yesterday in Abuja after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa that a governor of a state must guard the people against internal and external aggression.

The killings are spreading to different parts of the country. A greater worry is that the Federal Government is virtually painting a picture of helplessness. If it fails to take drastic steps in halting these killings, victims would continue to express their anger through protests and self-defence.

The convener of the group, Irene Awunah, deploring the action of the police leadership, noted: “The IGP should please look towards sending a detachment of armed policemen to the villages where Fulani herdsmen are killing people in their native communities, instead of sending them after us.

“We are simply trying to draw the attention of the National Assembly to what is happening in our villages. The legislators were elected to make laws that would safeguard the peace and unity of Nigeria, among others. So, security personnel should be deployed where they are needed, our procession is peaceful.”

She said they were at the National Assembly to table their “cry” to the leadership and get answers from the Federal Government on the persistent attacks on Benue farming communities.

Though the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara were not available to address the irate group, they were eventually addressed by Senator George Thompson Sekibo (PDP, Rivers East), accompanied by Jeremiah Useni (Plateau South East) and Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara North) after insisting earlier on being talked to by the two presiding officers of the National Assembly only. This came after they had shunned two members of the House, Diri Douye (Bayelsa) and Mojeed Alabi (Osun).

Sekibo told the protesters that no fewer than three motions on the attacks in the state and other parts of the country had been sponsored in the eighth Senate.

His words: “The Senate is standing by you. We shall do everything within the limits of the law to ensure these herdsmen are taken to particular areas where they can feed their cattle.”

The spokesman of VATIM, Tersoo Akula, warned that the people might resort to self-defence if steps were not taken to halt the killings.

Following the fresh onslaught, the House of Assembly is holding a public hearing on a proposed bill geared at checking the activities of
herdsmen in the state. But analysts are, however, of the opinion that the establishment of ranches as obtained in other climes would effectively address the perennial problem.

Contacted, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command Public Relations Officer, Anjuguri Manza, said he was yet to be briefed on the deployment.

 

Source: The Guardian

Saraki hints at legislative solution to farmers/herdsmen clashes

From the National Assembly comes a promise of legislative antidote to the deadly and perennial attacks by herdsmen on farming communities in the country.

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, broke the cheering news in Gboko Benue State, while delivering his remarks at the coronation ceremony of the new Tor Tiv, His Majesty, the Begha U Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor Ortese Iorzua James Ayatse.

Saraki noted that the Senate was paying serious attention to Bills, which were aimed at reversing the negative trends in the agricultural sector stressing that the much needed economic diversification to put the national economy back on track would remain a mirage if violent clashes continued.

Ortom explained that when passed into law, the ranches would forestall the incessant clashes between farmers and herders in the state.

In his speech, the new Tor Tiv, said his regime would pay more attention to addressing issues of moral decadence, falling standard of education, and security challenges.

It would be recalled that in November 2016, the Senate rejected a Bill seeking the establishment of National Ranches Commission for Regulation, Preservation and Control of Ranches.

The Senate also jettisoned another Bill that sought to establish Grazing Management Agency, which will ensure the creation of grazing areas across the country. While the Grazing Reserve Bill, was sponsored by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano Central), his Benue Northeast counterpart sponsored the Ranches Commission Bill.

 

Source: The Guardian

Suspected Herdsmen Invade Benue Community, Kill Four.

Suspected Fulani herdsmen have reportedly stormed Gbemacha council ward in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue state, killing an elderly man and three others in a midnight raid on the community.

Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that the herdsmen had in the last few weeks moved into the community with herds of cows which destroyed several cassava farms in the area.

“They development did not go down well with youths of the area who tried to resist them but were equally countered by the armed herdsmen who besieged the community in their numbers and sacked the locals from their homes.”

Speaking on the issue at Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) accountability briefing in Makurdi, the Special Adviser to the State Governor, Bureau for Lands and Survey, Prof. Jonathan Uever, who hails from the area, said the attack was unprovoked.

“They were not provoked in any way, from what I gathered from my people who have been giving me update on the crisis in the last three days, the herdsmen stormed Gbemacha council ward and everybody ran for their lives,” Mr. Uever said. “They took over our community and broke into people’s houses, destroyed food barns and whatever food the they saw were burnt.

“After that they went and hid near a popular well in the community laying wait for the people, the first person they saw was an elderly man, they shot and slaughtered him including three others.”

 

Source: Sahara Reporters

Three secondary school teachers abducted by suspected herdsmen in Edo

Three secondary school teachers in Ebomisi Secondary School, Ugbogiobo village, Ovia North East Local Council of Edo State have been kidnapped by suspected herdsmen.

The three male teachers were reportedly abducted on Monday while returning from school. Three other female teachers who were said to be in the company of the abducted teachers were allowed to go by the kidnappers.

Students of the school yesterday abandoned classes and took to the Benin-Akure expressway to protest their teachers’ abduction. The students set up bonfires and left passengers and motorists stranded on the road for many hours.

Meanwhile, police in Niger State have arrested 104 suspects for various offences including cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, rape, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bala Elkana, who disclosed this to journalists in Minna, said exhibits recovered during the arrests included three AK 47 rifles with 334 rounds of live ammunition, one SMG rifle with six live ammunition, 12 single barrel guns, four locally- made pistols, one revolver pistol and 672 cattle.

He said the arrests were made possible with the collaboration of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tactical Unit and operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), who have helped in sustaining the tempo in the fight against armed bandits in the state.

Elkana, however, adjudged the month of February as the most peaceful in recent times. The Sole Administrator of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Mr. Mike Inalegwu, has explained the influx of over 50,000 herdsmen in the area.

Inalegwu said the herdsmen were in the area for grazing and not to attack the communities. He urged the residents not to panic.He told journalists that their arrival was part of the agreement reached by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and his counterpart in Nasarawa, Tanko Al-Makura.

As part of the agreement, he said, “Fulani herdsmen would only be permitted to graze their cattle at the end of February, 2017 after the harvest season.”

He stressed that the decision was part of the measures to find a lasting solution to the perennial Agatu, Fulani crises.According to him, the Agatu communities are peace-loving people hence they allowed them to graze their cattle.

He, however, urged the herdsmen not to allow their cattle to stray to the farms of the host communities to avoid the destruction of their crops.
Inalegwu denied the involvement of Agatu youths in the alleged slaughtering of 52 cows at Adoka, in Otukpo Local Council of the state.

He said: “From the investigation we carried out, no Agatu youth was connected with the butchering in Adoka.”On the ultimatum given to Agatu elders to bring out the killer of a soldier in the area, he stressed that the community has not been able to apprehend him.

“It is unfortunate that a soldier who was on a peace- keeping mission was gruesomely murdered. We apologise to the chief of army staff and assure him that the council would do everything to arrest the culprit,” pledged.

 

Source: The Guardian

Bayelsa government donates 1,200 hectares of land to herdsmen.

The Bayelsa government has donated 1,200 hectares of land to cattle herdsmen to control indiscriminate grazing in the state.

In December 2016, the government restricted the activities of herdsmen in the state to the Bayelsa Palm area in Yenagoa, the state capital.

According to the government, the decision was to prevent the invasion of farmlands and check any security breaches.

During an interactive session with stakeholders on Sunday, Shitu Mohammed, state chairman, Cattle ranches management and control committee, said the 1,200 hectares of land was for ranch development, grazing and slaughtering of cattle.

He said more ranches would be donated to the cattle rearers in order to maintain peace and order in the state.

Mohammed commended the Bayelsa government for releasing the land, saying the gesture would help to sustain the lasting peace that had existed between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

He also noted that the committee was set up by the state government to foster cordial relationship between the cattle rearers, farmers and the people of the state.

“This is simply because the committee in collaboration with the state government and the security agencies had put in place quick response mechanisms,” he said.

He called on the people of the state to appreciate the provision of the ranch as it will create job opportunities and boost tourism in the state.

 

Source: The Cable

Herdsman remanded for grazing on N25m farmland in Ekiti

An Ado-Ekiti  magistrate court on Thursday ordered the remand of Abubakar Usman, a 30-year-old herdsman, for grazing on a cassava farmland “valued at N25 million”.

Bankole Olasunkanmi, the prosecutor, told the court that the accused and others at large, committed the offence at Iyemero farm settlement camp ?in Ikole-Ekiti, sometimes in December.

Olasunkanmi said Usman unlawfully permitted his cattle to graze on the 70 hectares cassava farmland property of Bunmi Akingba.

He said the offence contravened section 2 (i) and punishable under section 7 of prohibition of cattle ?and other ruminants grazing, Ekiti state law 2016.

The prosecutor also said the accused and others at large, had in their possession offensive weapons contrary to Section 4 (1) of the prohibition of cattle and other ruminants grazing of Ekiti and punishable under section 11 of Ekiti state kidnap and terrorism (prohibition) law 2015.

Olasunkanmi told the court that he had forwarded the case file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

No plea was taken

After ordering that Usman be remanded, Idowu Ayenimo, the magistrate, adjourned the case till March 3 for mention.

 

Source: The Cable

Delta Monarch accuses suspected herdsmen of killing farmers

The traditional ruler of Okpanam kingdom, Oshimile North Local Council of Delta State, Michael Mbanefo, has alleged that suspected Fulani herdsmen have been killing his people in their farmlands.

“I have written to the police and President Mohammed Buhari to come to our aid, so that our men and women can go to their farm freely without being attacked,” he said.

Also speaking on the illegal land acquisition in the community, he said those who acquired lands illegally would forfeit them as a committee saddled with the responsibility to look into the issues, would act on the mandate to ensure the “lands are recovered from usurpers, unless the lands were genuinely acquired.”

In another development, following the recent killing of two brothers, Akpovona Felix and Akpupu Sunday, by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Urhuoka community, Abraka, the President-General of Urhuoka Development Association (UDA), Mr. Freeborn Ukrakpor, has resigned his position as President-General.

In a letter dated January 7, 2017, and titled “Letter of Resignation” addressed to the Ovie of Oruarivie, Abraka kingdom, Akomeyoma Majoroh, Freeborn said: “I write to announce my resignation from the position of President-General Urhuoka Development Association (UDA).

“After due consideration of the trend of events in Urhuoka community over the period of my being in office, my entire family and I are convinced that as president-general, I will always be far away from the peaceful life I retired home to live.

“It is unimaginable that the people of Urhuoka community would neglect the Fulani herdsmen that killed our people, and direct their retaliation at me, for being the president-general. The disturbances of Fulani herdsmen have long been before I returned home from the city on retirement.”

He stated that as a community leader, he could tolerate constructive criticism from his community, but would not tolerate any blackmail relating to Fulani herdsmen operations, and for that reason, “I hereby step down from UDA as President-General with immediate effect.”

In the mean time, a new acting president-general has been appointed to manage the office until a new president-general is elected. John Avwenaghegha will act for the next two months pending when a new president-general is elected.

Meanwhile, the Partner for Peace in the Niger Delta, Delta State chapter, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to launch an intensive campaign, aimed at mopping up illegally acquired arms in the country, especially in the Northern states and communities where Fulani herdsmen are terrorising people in the South-South region.

The coordinator, Kenneth Atsenuwa, also urged the president to create time to visit Southern Kaduna, saying, such a step will boost trust in his government.

 

Source: Guardian

Killer Herdsmen are Not Nigerians – Northern Governors Conclude

The Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said that the Fulani herdsmen who are killing Nigerians across the country are from Senegal and Mali.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima made the comments on Tuesday, January 24, while speaking to journalists in Kaduna.

Shettima also said that efforts would be made to secure Nigeria’s borders and register Fulani immigrants entering into the country to rear cattle.

“We also mapped out new strategies that would be used by the local Fulani herdsmen to rear their cattle without having to move across the country,” the governor said.

Shettima also urged Nigerians to see security as a personal business, pointing out that the nation would remain backward if there was no peace.

“I said kill any herdsmen seen around me or my church. Not all herdsmen” – Apostle Suleman

Following the foiled attempt to arrest the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Johnso Suleman in Ekiti on Wednesday, the clergyman has attempted to clarify his commandment to followers to kill herdsmen.

 

The clergyman took to twitters a few hours after the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, saved him from being bundled away by the Department of State Services (DSS). There are speculations that the DSS was on his trail because of the statement he made in one of his sermons at a Auchi, Edo State, urging his followers to “kill herdsmen”.

 

Suleman said he was not inciting his congregation to attack all Fulani herdsmen, rather, he was referring to herdsmen who come close to him of his church premises.

 

“Go back to the tape. I said any herdsman seen around me or the church. Not herdsmen walking on there own. Thanks for the love and messages all over. am fine,” he tweeted.

 

See the tweets below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyo Sets Up Committees To Tackle Herdsmen, Farmers Clashes

The Oyo State government has constituted stakeholder committees at both state and local government levels to look into the clashes between the Fulani Bororo herdsmen and farmers in the state.

While giving updates on the strategy to tackle the crisis, the government also  urged those involved to desist from taking the laws into their hands.

The Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Security, Mr Olusegun Abolarinwa, issued the warning in Ibadan while highlighting the activities of the state government on avert the incessant clashes between the two groups.

In his words: “The state government does not have any policy on grazing zone yet, as the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is yet to make a pronouncement on nomadic rearing to be domesticated in all states and in the interim.

“The state government has taken proactive steps to constitute committees at both the state and local levels, comprising security agencies, chairmen of local councils, farmers associations, committee of Fulani’s, Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria, Seriki Hausawa, community leaders and relevant stake holders in the community”.

He disclosed further that the governor had directed the Special Adviser on Community Relations and the Senior Special Assistant on Security, to address the crisis erupting in the religion sector as well as community related crises at the Ibarapa zone of the state, with specific instructions to meet with the aggrieved sects of farmers and Fulani Bororo herdsmen.

Mr Abolarinwa explained that the crisis erupted when farmers laced their farms with poison in a bid to retaliate on the Fulanis whose cows destroyed their farm lands and trampled on them.

He urged the aggrieved parties not to take laws into their hands, reiterating that the government had put adequate measures in place to strengthen the security of the state, with the joint security patrol, procurement of armored personnel carriers (APC) for the state police command, procurement of Hilux vehicle for the security agencies and rendering various forms of assistance to the security agencies in the state.

He then urged residents of the state to be security conscious by constituting themselves as watchmen in their neighborhood, pointing out that it is incumbent on everyone to be responsible to alert on various security threats and challenges around.

Court remands 2 herdsmen over alleged destruction of farm crops

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday ordered the remand of one Momodu Rebo, 19, and Isiaka Idris, 22, in prison custody over alleged destruction of farm crops.

The police prosecutor, Samson Osobu, told the Court that the accused, and others now at large, committed the offence on January 11 at Apoto farm settlement, Eporo, in Emure-Ekiti.

Mr. Osobu alleged that police took guns and others offensive weapons from the accused.

He said that the offence is contrary to Section 4 (1) of Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminant Grazing in Ekiti State Laws, 2016 and punishable under section 11 of the Ekiti State Kidnap and Terrorism (Prohibition) Law, 2015.

The prosecutor ?said the accused, on the said date, unlawfully allowed their cattle to graze on farmland not designated as ranches, but belonging to Akinwale Bisi, Agbelegbe Dare and Paul Salami.

Mr. Osobu said the cattle thus damaged their crops, valued at eight hundred and fifty thousand naira (N850, 000).

He applied for a date of adjournment to file the case and send to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice.

The pleas of the accused were not taken, as their counsel, Ademola Okeya, sought for a short date of adjournment, pending the advice from the DPP office.

Chief Magistrate Idowu Ayenimo remanded the accused persons in prison custody, till the outcome of the advice from the DPP.

He adjourned the case to January 27 for further hearing.

 

Source: NAN

Osun Civil Defence Arrests Suspected Marauding Herdsmen

The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded three cattle herdsmen, allegedly terrorising a farm settlement in Ikoui, Isokan Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest, which was made at about 5:30 am on Thursday, followed a tip-off from the community.

Two of the suspects, Hamisu and Lawal are said to be from Gbangudu Local Government, while Musa is from Gusau Local Government all in Zamfara state.

According to the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Philips Ayodele, information got to the operatives from the office of the kabiyesi (king), which intelligence officers acted upon.

Armed With Charms and Guns

He said the rustlers, who were five in number, were armed with charms, guns and some weapons, invaded and destroyed the crops on the Onikoyi farm settlement.

Mr Ayodele told reporters that the farmers had on several occasions, been attacked by the rustlers.

Ayodele said: “We recovered a lot of weapons, charms, locally made guns with gun powders and local bullets. The farmers in that area have no peace. They don’t allow them to rest due to their heinous activities on the farm. We thank God we are able to apprehend these notorious persons,”he said.

The NSCDC commandant also stated that the rustlers, who claimed to be hunters, could not be identified by the Osun State leader of Miyeti Allah, an association for the Fulani Herdsmen, after he was briefed by the security outfit.

“Before you can be a hunter you must know the terrain of the area you are operating in, but these people are not from Osun and they still insist they are hunters.

“The Miyeti Allah in this state cannot recognise them after we spoke to them about the arrest and we have also warned them to always report rustlers who are not from Osun State so that we would be able to identify those who have invaded the state,” Mr Ayodele emphasised.

He urged members of the community to always supply the corps with vital information that would help them rid the society of people with criminal intent, lauding the supports they have received from sister agencies in the state.

Anambra Varsity VC Counters News Of Herdsmen School Invasion

The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University, Igbariam, Professor Fidelis Okafor, has debunked the news making rounds on social media that herdsmen had invaded the university environment.

He dismissed the rumors as sensational and capable of causing panic and fear, while however lamenting the overbearing presence of the herdsmen in the university environment.

According to him, their presence has resulted in unquantifiable damage of experimental crops and other agricultural products belonging to the university.

The university is situated in Anambra East local government area, one of the agrarian areas of the state.

Reports says the greenery and very expansive landscape which appears like a grazing field, is perhaps the attraction for the herdsmen and their cattle.

The VC in an attempt to clear the air said: “The word invasion connotes so many things and can send fears into people’s mind. As far as the University is concerned, we have not experienced any danger that is to say, any attack or any such movement.

“Maybe someone who is passing by seeing a large number of cattle moving around within the university environment and with herdsmen also behind them and in front of them may feel afraid that this might be what people had always feared. But then, we have suffered some destruction from these cattle,” he admitted.

He went on to add that: “We have a Faculty of Agriculture, we have experimental farms by the students and by the staff, research farms, plantation, all these had at one time or the other been destroyed by the cattle. And the feaces from these cattle litter all around the campus attracting flies and fleas.”

Furthermore, Okafor explained that the herdsmen’s unlimited access to every area on campus unsettled the students.

According to him, the institution had repeatedly complained to relevant authorities both of government and the Police but the situation had prevailed.

He, however assured parents, students and the general public that against all odds, the school was still very safe.

“I am assuring the parents, the students and the general public that there is no invasion in the sense which we know what an invasion is.

“If there were, I wouldn’t be here talking to you. So I would tell the parents and the students and the public that the university is safe, very safe.”

Also reacting on the issue, the Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Sam Okaula, warned people to desist from causing sensation and panic as the long arm of the law will soon catch up with such elements.

He said the police were ready to assist the University on the issue of the cattle menace as he heads the Cattle Menace Committee set up by the state government to mediate on issues concerning the cattle herders and the host communities.

“We have not received any of such complaints from the university authorities of recent. One thing I want to assure you is that we have a committee in place, it is called Cattle Menace Committee.

“I am the chairman of that committee comprising traditional rulers, heads of Fulani communities, and heads of security agencies in the state.

“This committee was set up by His Excellency, the governor of the state and he has been doing a whole lot of wonderful jobs.

“Where we have cases of Fulani cattle destroying property, we step into such cases and we examine the circumstances and we have always come up with solutions where victims have been compensated.

“We also talk to Fulani leaders ensure that the avoid invasion of people’s crops and destroying property.

“He also lashed out on those who carried the false news, referring to them as “mischief makers”.

He described the act as unfair, while asking them to desist from doing it.

“They are not doing the community or the society any good. You don’t go about raising false alarm and putting people on high jump.

“I don’t know what they benefit from that, may be for obvious reasons, for pecuniary reasons they do that. But I think nemesis will catch up with such people soon. I can assure if that happens, they will pay for their sins.

“We will not condone that kind of act. It’s unfair for anybody to just wake up one day and start raising false alarm and telling falsehood all over the places, it doesn’t help us and it doesn’t help the person either.

“So I warn them to desist henceforth because we will definitely catch up with such people, we will do,” Mr. Okaula said.

‘Over 1 million’ cattle lost to Boko Haram, rustlers in North-east, Group claims

Nigerian Fulani herdsmen pressure group, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, says its members have lost over one million cattle and other livestock to Boko Haram insurgents and rustlers in the North-east.

The North-east Vice Chairman of the association, Mafindi Danburam, said this on Thursday in Yola in an interview with journalists.

Mr. Damburam said while most of the union’s members in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe lost their livestock to Boko Haram, the losses were to rustlers in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba states.

He appealed to government to consider the affected herdsmen in its resettlement and rehabilitation programmes for the North-east.

He said the typical herdsman knew no other business than rearing and needed to be assisted over their losses.

“A typical herdsman knows no other business than rearing his cattle and such person who is now rendered redundant and idle needs to be supported to pick up his life before he joins bad company and becomes a problem.

“Government needs to consider affected herdsmen under its rehabilitation programme for North-east, particularly the much- talked about North-East Development Commission,” Mr. Danburam said.

The vice chairman, who was in Adamawa over the latest farmers/herdsmen clashes, sued for peace and the need to embrace dialogue.

“In some of those states, particularly Taraba, the problem is mostly not between us and farmers but between us and rustlers,” Mr. Damburam claimed.

Herdsmen Attacks: Al-Makura Joins Ortom In Joint Security Meeting

Governor Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa state on Tuesday evening joined his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom, in a joint security meeting at the government house, Makurdi.

The meeting bordered on the issues of insecurity affecting the border towns of Agatu and Loko where herdsmen cross the River Benue into Agatu, giving rise to the clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

Journalists were barred from the meeting as it was held behind closed doors.

At the end of the meeting, both governors said that they had agreed to visit Agatu Local Government Area in Benue state to mediate between the warring parties of Fulani herdsmen and Agatu indigenes who have been at loggerheads for the past five years over cattle grazing.

Briefing newsmen on Monday night at the government house Makurdi, Governor Samuel Ortom said that it was imperative, both Agatu indigenes and Fulani herdsmen forgive each other and forge a common front for the return of peace to Benue and Nasarawa border communities.

On his part, Mr Al-makura said that he remained committed to achieving peace between residents of Agatu in Benue state and Loko in Nasarawa.

The security council of both states, including traditional rulers visit Agatu on January 18, 2017.

Attacks by herdsmen on different communities in the states have led to the deaths of hundreds while thousands have been displaced.

There have been several calls on both state governments to address the issue, the latest being a call on Benue lawmakers to pass the open grazing prohibition bill that will streamline the activities of herdsmen in the state.

Hundreds of victims of herdsmen attack in Benue State stormed the State’s House of Assembly complex under the aegis of Movement Against Fulani Occupation in peaceful protest.

Police refute claims of herdsmen, farmers clash in Delta State.

The Nigeria Police Command in Delta has denied that there was a clash between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

The command’s spokesman, Andrew Aniamaka, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State, on Tuesday.

Mr. Aniamaka also advised journalists to verify their facts from relevant authorities before publication.

“The attention of the command has been drawn to reports suggesting that there are clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some communities in Delta.

“The command wishes to state unequivocally that it is not aware of any herdsmen and farmers clash anywhere in the state.

“Such unfounded reports are unprofessional, misleading and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order,” he said.

Mr. Aniamaka, however, urged the public to disregard the report, and assured that the command would continue to provide adequate security of life and property.

The alleged report claimed the clash had occurred between Abraka and Obiarukwu communities in Ethiope East and Ukwani Local Government Areas, respectively last Wednesday.

Victims Of Herdsmen Attack Occupy Benue Assembly

Hundreds of victims of herdsmen attack in Benue State are laying siege to the State’s House of Assembly complex, in peaceful protest, making good a threat issued days ago.

 

They have come together under the aegis of Movement Against Fulani Occupation in a protest aimed at coercing lawmakers to pass the open grazing prohibition bill that will streamline the activities of herdsmen in the state.

 

The bill was presented 10 months ago and the lawmakers are yet to work on it.

 

Attacks by herdsmen on different communities in the state have led to the deaths of hundreds while thousands have been displaced.

How “Fulani militia” killed 3 police officers in Adamawa – Nigeria Police

The Adamawa Police Command on Sunday confirmed the killing of three mobile police officers and the disappearance of two others in an attack by suspected herdsmen in Demsa Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the policemen were among those drafted to secure Kwayine, Gidan Dadi and Karlahi communities after clashes that followed the killing of 47 cattle in the area.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Othman Abubakar, who confirmed the development to journalists in Yola, said that four rifles belonging to the police officers were also missing.

“Fulani militia attacked the three villages and we lost three of our gallant MOPOL while two are missing.

“We have constituted a high powered search team and by the special grace of God we are going to recover our men.

“On the side of the civilians, two bodies have so far been recovered,” Mr. Othman said.

The spokesperson said that the police had succeeded in killing scores of the militias who where however able to escape with their dead ones.

Mr. Abubakar said more police officers had been drafted to the affected areas.

Gov. Muhammad Bindow had condemned the attack, which occurred less than 24-hours after a government delegation on peace building mission visited the area.

The governor in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Ahmad Sajoh, directed security agencies to deploy more personnel to the area.

He described the attack as unfortunate and sad especially coming after recent peace and confidence building efforts.

“The Governor feels highly disturbed that after he had sent delegations on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday to interface with the different communities in the area, a clash could occur so soon thereafter.”

He assured residents of government’s resolve to restore peace to the affected areas and protect the lives of every citizen.

Bindow saluted the gallantry of the police in confronting the attackers and urged them not to relent until normalcy is fully restored.

Tough time awaits you, defence spokesman tells herdsmen.

Rabe Abubakar, acting director of information, Defence headquarters, says the army has concluded plans to launch ‘Operation Accord’ to check illegalities of herdsmen.

Abubakar, who was on tour of media locations in the country, disclosed this to reporters in Warri, Delta state on Friday.

He said the operation would be a mitigating instrument against the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

“Anytime from now, it will become operational and the issues of herdsmen going about innocent citizens will be a thing of the past,” he said.

Abubakar said the military was committed to rescuing all individuals held hostage by Boko Haram and solicited the cooperation of the media.

“The rescue issue of all individuals that have been with the terrorists is ongoing,” he said.

“I am assuring Nigerians that the armed forces and security agents will never leave any stone unturned unless we rescue all those that have been taken hostage by the Boko Haram.

“The Nigerian military and security agents are extending their hands of fellowship in a way of collaboration, synergising and seeking your cooperation and understanding.”

Abubakar described the media as a key stakeholder and partner in most of the military operations in Nigeria.

He said the military had gone through reformation, adding that the media had given their operations wider coverage.

Abubakar said that the armed forces had conducted more than 13 operations in the country.

“It becomes important to put those operations so as to have a comprehensive security sector to mitigate various security challenges we have been experiencing in the north-east which has just finished,” he said.

“We are mopping up the rescue operation through operation rescue final and other operations put in place by other services.”

Abubakar urged the media to assist by way of sensitising the populace to provide useful information that could help in further reducing insecurity in the country.

Between Fayose, El-Rufai and Fulani Herdsmen – By Niran Adedokun

I can imagine the self-righteous indignation in the minds of many Nigerians at the attempt to draw a comparison between the two gentlemen whose names appear on this headline. I cannot say I don’t understand.

In the contemplation of the average Nigerian, having these two names in the same sentence would be akin to likening sleep with death. One man is suave, well-educated and representative of the progressive politics that we now look on to as harbinger of good governance that have eluded us forever. An archetype of the biblical Moses to deliver our country from the wilderness of stunted accomplishments resulting from the curse of recurring bad leadership.

The other man, to a lot of us, is the very example of the past that we would rather obliterate from our memories. Of no more than moderate educational attainments, sometimes garrulous and almost always impatient, even disrespectful of unpropitious constituted authority (It can be argued that the two men are similar on the last two fronts though), he is an ubiquitous memento of the 16 years of the “waste” signified by the Peoples  Democratic Party (PDP). Consequently, it wouldn’t be a struggle to understand the surprise of readers at the attempt to juxtapose these two.

But there is a sense in which both men stand out in the current scheme of things in Nigeria. In spite of the obvious divergence in their personalities, both were elected to govern their respective state of origin and are members of the elite club of the 36 governors of Nigeria’s federating states.

In this all important duty, there are also discernable differences mostly dictated by the personality types described above in their performances. Mallam Nasir el Rufai who governs Kaduna State in the North West Zone has displayed an alluring grasp of the idea of sustainable development. If you are a Nigerian in tune with trends that might define the future, you would love some of his initiatives.

Take his strides in taking children off the streets into the schools for instance, aside from incentives like a school feeding programme, which template now inspires the Federal Government stillborn identical policy, he has unprecedentedly chosen to enrol his children in public schools in the state. This step gives a measure of assurance of direct supervision of standards.

You cannot but love the man’s determination to industrialise his state, the steps he is taking to revamp the textiles industries that defined the economy of the state as well as his commitment to rebuilding health infrastructure.

The state recently signed a memorandum of understanding with global corporate giant, General Electric to equip 255 primary health centres and 23 general hospitals across the state. The programme includes the training of healthcare professionals and a three-year maintenance agreement for the equipment. The plan is to deliver at least one overhauled hospital in each of the 255 wards in the state. To abbreviate the narrative, el-Rufai has brought some sophistication to governance,

But same cannot be said of Mr. Ayodele Fayose, who governs Ekiti State in the South West of the country. This man could be called a governor on the streets. His stomach infrastructure philosophy, which comes across as dishing out fish to the citizenry instead of teaching them to fish had permanently  cheesed off a lot of Nigerians such that there can be nothing good about this two-time governor in their books. Directly awarding government contracts to peasant artisans, giving a stipend of N5, 000 to indigent people across the state and taking moments to feel the deprivations of the people, possibly in perpetual recollection of his humble beginnings further nauseates compatriots who would prefer that all governors were as dignified as el-Rufai.

In addition to what many consider as his pedestrian disposition to governance, Fayose has invited the interminable anger of lovers of President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressive Congress (APC) by becoming the loudest opposition voice to the national government.

As Nigerians mostly seem unable or disinclined to compartmentalise their assessment of the performance of public officials, it can be said that those who admire el-Rufai loathe Fayose and vice versa. Unfortunately, the former folks, even if one cannot definitely put them in the majority, clearly have the loudest voice with which they drown out contrary tunes.

This is the proclivity which the recent appraisal of Fayose’s by General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God; Pastor Enoch Adeboye exposed about us as a people.

Adeboye was quoted as saying the following about Fayose: “We thank God for your life, we thank God for your courage and your boldness. We thank God for your being willing to take risks so that your people can be protected. You are a governor who knows when to say enough is enough in defence of his people..,” Fulani herdsmen were perfecting the plans to attack defenceless citizens of the Southern part of Kaduna State.

As scurrilous attacks mounted from all quarters about Adeboye’s comments, bodies of children, women and men killed in the senseless attacks piled up in Kaduna. At a press conference last week, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) hinted that over 800 innocent souls were lost in the herdsmen conquest. Lands, homes and other possessions of the victims were also taken over with the smooth governor of the state sending contradictory vibes on the cause and effect of the killings.

While el-Rufai’s immediate response to the Christmas attack on southern Kaduna  smacks of one of incompetence or an reluctance to nip the issue in the bud,  his comments while explaining previous attacks can be said to have encouraged the marauders.

Earlier last month, the Kaduna Governor was quoted as owning up to having set up a committee that followed the lead of late Governor Patrick Yakowa and traced perpetrators of previous attacks to Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.  He thereafter sent a warm message of ethnic solidarity to the effect that a Fulani man like these criminals had become governor of the state as a likely form of appeasement.

The governor further suggested that these attacks were a revenge of  2011 post electoral violence in which some herdsmen lost cattle. He then indicated that he was considering compensating the aggrieved herdsmen by paying for cattle that they allegedly lost in 2011.

Now, aside from the opacity surrounding the killing and stealing of cattle six years ago, el Rufai’s disposition here shows the abdication of his authority and deference  to the dictates of  the same invaders who are killing the people he swore to protect. The people over whose wellbeing, the 1999 Constitution holds him accountable.

The governor would thereafter scamper to Abuja asking for belated assistance after he had laid a background for cross-country disaffection by alleging that the attacks were likely to be perpetrated by Niger Delta militants! Such duplicity would explain incessant herdsmen attacks in which innumerable lives have been over the past few months

Compare that to the reaction of Fayose, who after the death of two residents of Oke Ako in the Ikole Local Government Area of the state in May last year, initiated and signed the Prohibition of Cattle and Other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti, 2016, which regulates the operation of cattle herders. All of these were done within three months.

This law has been tested on at least one occasion and that has led to a meeting of minds between the governor and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). Even if this does not provide an impeccable solution, no single account of life loss has been recorded in the state thence, lives have been safe and peace reigns in the land.

So while one governor is being apologetic to killers of his people, literarily validating their right to avenge cows that were killed or stolen six years ago, another is saying without equivocation that “the lives of 5000 cows cannot be equated with those of human beings killed daily by herdsmen…” Yet both governors are empowered by the country’s constitution to protect the lives of their people, without which every developmental initiative would be a waste.

Life is for the living and effective governance is fundamentally about protecting the lives of citizens. It is a lesson that all our leaders should promptly imbibe.

Happy New Year, dear readers

Twitter@niranadedokun

Peace gradually returns to southern Kaduna as residents reach truce with herdsmen

A milestone for the cessation of attacks and killings in Southern Kaduna communities was achieved at the weekend, when Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the umbrella body of the Fulani herdsmen, agreed to a ceasefire, and embraced peace.

This is as indigenes of Southern Kaduna, under the aegis of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), described the Fulani group’s decision as a welcome development, provided they are sincere about embracing peace.

At a press conference in Kaduna, yesterday, where the herdsmen also stated their grievances, they claimed that they were not the aggressors in the unending crises.

That notwithstanding, the Assistant National Secretary of MACBAN, Ibrahim Abdullahi, called on the people of the area to forgive what had happened, stressing that both parties should learn to forgive one another.

“This crisis will never end if you think you would go and revenge what happened to you. So, we are appealing to all parties to sheath their swords and embrace peace. We want to also support the steps so far taken by the government of Kaduna State, and all the security agencies in order to return normalcy to the area. We call on leaders in particular, political, religious and otherwise to desist from making inflammatory speeches that could escalate the situation. There should be no hate speeches … We inherited a peaceful Southern Kaduna and I don’t think we are sensible if we bequeath to our children and grandchildren a Southern Kaduna that is fighting itself.”

Abdullahi commended the role played by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, in ensuring that the crises come to an end, including resuscitating the peace process started by the late Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa.

Responding to MACBAN’s ceasefire, President of SOKAPU, Solomon Musa, told The Guardian that the people of Southern Kaduna are ready to embrace peace, provided the peace move is not deceptive.

Musa explained that any development that calls for sincere dialogue or ceasefire is welcomed by his people In a related development, Chairman, Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association, Kafanchan Chapter, Reverend Father Williams Abba, has described the killings in Southern Kaduna as efforts aimed at ethnic cleansing.

According to him, the killings are sustained in an effort to drive the people away from their communities, and forcibly grab their lands for grazing. Abba, who alleged that religious conquest, political relevance and economic benefits were some of the hidden motives behind the attacks and killings, expressed worry at the level of sophistication of the attackers, and weapons deployed.

He also flayed the state and federal governments for failing the people of region by not quickly intervening saying: “The primary duty of government is the protection of lives and property. The state government has been slow, lackluster and lackadaisical in its response, whenever there is an attack. On many occasions, the governor will not visit the affected areas after the crises.

“The victims are internally displaced without adequate relief materials from the state government. They have not been compensated or resettled till date. Their children are still wandering without schools to attend. Their farm produce are being stolen by the herdsmen because our people are too afraid to go to the farms for fear of attacks by the Fulani herdsmen.”

Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), yesterday, described as reckless, irresponsible and worrisome, the statement by El Rufai that Niger Delta militants have been hired to carry out attacks in troubled Southern Kaduna.

He said: “It could lead to a breakdown of law and order, as some will perceive Niger Delta people as troublemakers. It is a reckless statement and we must put the record straight.

“Our issues have no business with their ethnic cleansing that is going on in the North. The Niger Delta issue is about the economic engagement of our people. We have no business with ethnic cleansing. We want to participate in any activity going on in our environment, period. And that is what led to the agitation today for which we have been labeled as terrorists and all kinds of names.”

Herdsmen Will Not Be Allowed To Intimidate Our People- Dickson

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State in this interview speaks on how he has been managing affairs of the state, the challenges he has faced and his plans to take the state to greater heights.

Excerpts:

Much has been said about the N14.5b given back to the state by the Federal Government. What is the nature of this payment?

The N14.5b is a refund of excess deductions on account of World Bank, Paris Club and other loans that the federal government took and repaid.

Our federation is a very wonderful one where as state governors you just wait and at the end of the month they come up with whatever figures and throw them at you at the FAAC.

It was discovered that most of what they did at that time were not proper, they repaid with states and Local Government funds, and governors came together to fight for what rightly belonged to their states. This N14.5b was not given to Bayelsa only but to almost all the states of the federation. We have put out the figure as a result of our transparency policy. The money belongs to the state, and we are only privileged to manage the resources.

The civil servants have been very understanding in the last one year when we had to manage a very tough situation concerning our revenues. In January we almost didn’t receive anything because of a combination of so many factors at the national level. For February, March, we were having between N1.5b to N2b for a state that has a wage bill of almost N5b not to talk of the Local Government level. The Local Government situation is very bad, and Bayelsa is one state that since we took over, we have not made any deduction from Local Government funds. We only receive it on their behalf from the joint account and sit in the JAAC with them, and the following day it is released. Local Governments have financial autonomy; it is left for the leaders and the people to hold them accountable.

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Video: Southern Kaduna Indigenes Intesify Protests Against Continued Herdsmen Attacks.

Southern Kaduna Indigenes have continued to protest the incessant attacks on their communities by alleged Fulani herdsmen.

 

Southern Kaduna had over time witnessed persistent killings with the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, recently revealing that he paid some Fulani herdsmen to forestall peace, a disclosure that resulted in heavy criticisms.

 

Hundreds of youths, women and children have continued to pour out on to the streets to protest the continued attacks and killing of residents by suspected herdsmen.

 

Sultan of Sokoto: Politicians can explain how herdsmen acquire Ak 47.

Sa’ad Abubakar, sultan of Sokoto, says politicians can account for how herdsmen acquire guns that they use in attacking people.

Speaking during a civic reception, which the Nsukka Socio-Cultural zone in Enugu organised in his honour, the monarch challenged the government to investigate how herdsmen acquire arms and ammunition.

Abubakar said Nigerians had the option to live as one united family, expressing confidence that the various ethnic and interest groups in the country can co-exist peacefully if there is justice.

“They have always asked us how the herdsmen acquired these ammunition, but I throw the question back to the politicians; find out how people acquire the guns,” he said.

“Find out how the herdsmen that move with AK47 riffles acquire them.”

Abubakar regretted that contemporary Nigerians had failed to build on the foundation laid by the country’s founding fathers.

He said there were more cohesion and integration between preceding generations than the new generation.

The sultan attributed the seeming mistrust among Nigerians to misinformation and ignorance.

“As Nigerians we can be the best of families if we want to. We have refused to come together as a nation due to ignorance and suspicion,” he said.

“Our visit here is to strengthen relationships, having started my youthful life in Nsukka 39 years ago.

“My coming here is at the right time, considering the loss of lives due to insecurity in parts of the country.”

Abubakar said no Nigerian would aim at killing an Igbo man in any part of the country for whatever reason, adding that they were only targetted because of their hard work.

“Nobody in the northern part of the country has been aiming at an Igbo man to kill,” he said.

“Miscreants target them because they are the most industrious and the people that move the economy.

“That is why their shops and other businesses are mostly the target during unrests because the hoodlums are sure to find valuables in the shops.”

He said he was overwhelmed at the love shown him by Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, governor of the state and residents of Enugu.

Abubakar is on a three-day visit to the state to inaugurate road projects executed by Ugwuanyi’s administration.

Sahara Reporters: 20 Tiv Farmers Killed On Taraba’s Peace Day.

No fewer than 20 Tiv farmers were yesterday killed in Dan-Anacha, Gassol Local Government area of Taraba State by suspected Fulani militias.

The killings took place as the state was busy at a “Peace Concert” in a stadium in Jalingo –the state capital – organised by Governor Darius Ishaku.

Dozens of other farmers were severely injured in the attack.

Some sources said Fulani marauders on Saturday afternoon invaded the Tiv community in Dan-Anacha, whose name was recently changed to Kwararafa, where they hacked down people. The hostilities lasted until yesterday morning.

Hundreds of Tiv residents have reportedly fled Dan-Anacha, although soldiers and policemen were deployed in the area to keep the peace.

Taraba State President of Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA), Goodman Dahida, who met with security agencies and traditional rulers, said the bodies of 17 Tiv and two Fulani were recovered. The toll is likely to rise today.

“There are more bodies said to be lying in the bush which have not been recovered,” he said, adding that the killings were done with sophisticated guns.

Police spokesman David Mishal, who confirmed the killings to The Nation on the telephone, described the incident as an “undercover attack where you invade someone’s home and attack him when there is no war going on.”

He said he would release the “real details of the number of casualties,” to the media after conclusion of investigation by the police.

He said: “Yes; some unidentified groups of people, suspected to be Fulani, attacked Tiv in Dan-Anacha. We are trying to gather more information on the number of casualties.”

Gory photographs of Tiv farmers massacred in the “undercover attack” yesterday went viral on the social media particularly on Facebook.

Tiv farmers were killed massively by Fulani herdsmen between 2012 and 2014. The coming onboard of Governor Ishaku, who sued for peace and provided security, brought a near-end to the killings.

The displaced Tiv farmers have just returned to their homes to resume work on their farms when the Fulani opened a new chapter of hostilities against them yesterday.

TCSA President Goodman Dahida urged Ishaku to “do something urgently” to save the lives of hundreds of the Tiv farmers who have become endangered species in central Taraba.

Dahida posted on his Facebook wall: “What does a Fulani man want from a Tiv man for goodness sake? What are they gaining in the killings? Mr Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, these people are out again in their killing spree of Tiv people. Do something urgently or…”

There was a peace meeting in Dan-Anacha involving Dahida and other security agencies, reportedly at the prompting of Governor Darius Ishaku.

At the meeting were Commissioner of Police Yunas Babas, President of Fulani’s Miyati-Alla, the Lamdo Gassol, village head of Dan-Anacha, other Tiv chiefs, the divisional police office, the SSS and other opinion leaders.

The commissioner of police called for calm and truce, and created two camps for the displaced Tiv farmers.

Babas was seen stopping vehicles and asking fleeing displaced persons to return, with an assurance that they would be protected.

Herdsmen wait for us go to bed before ‘unleashing’ cattle on our farmlands – Kebbi Farmers

Farmers in Zagga district of Bagudo Local Government Area in Kebbi State have decried the persistent destruction of their farm produce by cattle breeders.

Alh Gazali Abubakar, the District Chairman of the All Farmers Association (AFAN) in the area, disclosed this on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zagga village.

He lamented the instances of cattle breeders engaged in midnight grazing on their farmlands, adding that ”they sent their cattle to graze over our farmlands when we went to bed.

He said that many farmers in the area had lost significant quantity of farmland and produce, stressing that this has discouraged some AFAN members from partaking in agriculture.

Alhaji Mainasara Zagga, the District Head of Zagga, confirmed the incidences to NAN, saying that the matter has been reported to the police.

He called on the State Government to revive cattle routes with a view to safeguarding the farmers as well as preventing unnecessary clash between the farmers and the cattle breeders.

He also called on the affected farmers to exercise patience and caution as government is working towards handling the matter urgently.

Some of the affected farmers, Bello Umar and Aliyu Zagga, told NAN that they lost farm produce worth hundred of thousands of Naira as a result of the overnight grazing on their farmlands.

According to them, several complaint letters were submitted to authourities concerned but no action was taken to address the matter.

NAN reports that the farming communities in Kebbi have been enjoying relative peace with cattle breeders due to stringent measures put in place by them.

Police nab supplier of AK47 to herdsman

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious gun runner who allegedly supplied AK47 rifle to one herdsman, Ibrahim Adamu, earlier arrested by the command.

The command’s spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Enugu.

Mr. Amaraizu said the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday through intelligence supplied to police operatives in 9th Mile Police Division, near Enugu.

“The suspect, who gave his name as one Samaila Garuba Alhaji, a.k.a. Bakasi, was earlier implicated by Ibrahim Adamu as the one that sold the AK47 rifle to him.

“But following Adamu’s arrest, Samaila Garuba Alhaji, escaped when he got the information about the arrest of Ibrahim Adamu.

“It was gathered that luck, however, ran out of Bakasi, as he is fondly called, when he was trailed to a motor park situated at 9th Mile in Enugu early this morning where he was nabbed after he made several efforts to escape,’’ he said.

Mr. Amaraizu said that the suspect had been helping police in its investigation in relation to his nefarious activities.

Police Arrest Man Who Supplies Herdsmen Arms

The police in Enugu have arrested a man who allegedly supplies AK-47 rifle to herdsmen.

The suspect, one Alhaji Samaila Garuba, alias Bakassi, who is from Shagari village in Sokoto State, was arrested in the 9th Mile area of Enugu on Tuesday morning.

Spokesman for the Enugu State Police Command, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who disclosed this, said a herdsman, Ibrahim Adamu, who was arrested with an AK-47 in the Udi area of Enugu on August 29, implicated Garuba as the one who supplied the weapon to him.

Amaraizu added that the police had been on Garuba’s trail since Adamu’s arrest.

Garuba, according to the police spokesman, had been on the run, until he was arrested at a motor park on Tuesday morning.

Amaraizu said, “The Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force through its operatives of the 9th Mile Division, today, 6th December, 2016, nabbed a suspected notorious gun runner who allegedly supplied AK-47 rifle to one herdsman, Ibrahim Adamu, earlier arrested by the Command.

“Suspect who gave his name as one Alhaji Samaila Garuba, aka Bakassi, was earlier implicated by Ibrahim Adamu as the one that sold the AK-47 rifle to him.

“Garuba escaped when he got the information about the arrest of Ibrahim Adamu.

“His luck however ran out when intelligence information by the operatives paid off as he was trailed to a motor park situated at 9th Mile in Enugu early this morning, where he was nabbed after several efforts by him to escape.”

Amaraizu added that Garuba is currently helping the police in investigations into his “nefarious” activities.

The herdsman that implicated Garuba, Adamu, a 20-year-old man from Nasarawa State, was earlier arrested with an AK-47 assault rifle and 24 rounds of live ammunition in a bush in Affa community in the Udi area of Enugu State.

Until his arrest, Adamu resided at Hausa Quarters in the 9th Mile Area of Enugu State, but rears cattle in communities within the Udi environs.

Adamu had tried to evade arrest by firing several shots into the air, before the police took him into custody.

Many communities in Enugu State have recorded violent attacks by herdsmen, in which several persons have lost their lives.

Credit: punchng

We’ve Paid Some Aggrieved Herdsmen To Stop Killings In Southern Kaduna– El-Rufai

Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai has said his government has traced some violent, aggrieved herdsmen to their countries and paid them to stop the killings of Southern Kaduna natives and the destruction of their communities saying that the renewed violence is carried out by bandits.

El-Rufai made this known while fielding questions from some select Journalists in his office in Kaduna.

He said: “For southern Kaduna, we didn’t understand what was going on and we decided to set up a committee under Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) to find out what was going on there. What was established was that the root of the problem has a history starting from the 2011 post election violence.

“Fulani herdsmen from across Africa bring their cattle down towards Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria. The moment the rains starts around March, April, they start moving them up to go back to their various communities and countries. “Unfortunately, it was when they were moving up with their cattle across Southern Kaduna that the elections of 2011 took place and the crisis trapped some of them.

“Some of them were from Niger, Cameroon, Chad, Mali and Senegal. Fulanis are in 14 African countries and they traverse this country with the cattle. “So many of these people were killed, cattle lost and they organised themselves and came back to revenge.

“So a lot of what was happening in Southern Kaduna was actually from outside Nigeria. We got a hint that the late Governor Patrick Yakowa got this information and he sent someone to go round some of these Fulani communities, but of course after he died, the whole thing stopped. That is what we inherited. But the Agwai committee established that.

“We took certain steps. We got a group of people that were going round trying to trace some of these people in Cameroon, Niger republic and so on to tell them that there is a new governor who is Fulani like them and has no problem paying compensations for lives lost and he is begging them to stop killing.

“In most of the communities, once that appeal was made to them, they said they have forgiven. There are one or two that asked for monetary compensation. They said they have forgiven the death of human beings, but want compensation for cattle. We said no problem, and we paid some. As recently as two weeks ago, the team went to Niger republic to attend one Fulani gathering that they hold every year with a message from me.”

Credit:

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/weve-paid-fulani-stop-killings-southern-kaduna-el-rufai/

Farmers, herdsmen clash in Abia leaves scores hospitalised.

A clash between farmers and herdsmen in Ozuitem community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State has left many residents hospitalised, with large amount of crops destroyed.

The attack came after the Ndiokereke Abam clash of November 8 and is the third in less than one month in different parts of Abia State within Abia North senatorial zone.

Security operatives in the state appear overwhelmed, as no herdsman has ever been paraded or arraigned in the state despite their increasing attacks on communities.

Those that sustained machete cuts in the Ozuitem community attack are receiving medical attention at Tochi Hospital in Uzuakoli.

One of the victims, Mr Sunday Oru, a 40- year old father of seven currently receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, said that the rampaging herdsmen, with over 3,000 cows, have been marauding in the community, destroying farm lands and crops with impunity.

“They arrogantly uprooted farmers’ cassava, okro and cut down plantains to feed their cows while the farmers pleaded that they should to leave the community.

“The pleas fell on deaf ears, as the nomads vowed to rather fight to occupy our land if we attempt to evict them, boasting that they will defeat us and take over our land.

“I went to my rice farm only to discover that cows were openly grazing on it and the herdsmen chased me away when I told them that the cows are causing havoc.

“I ran back to the village to alert other members of the community ,and together in group we went back to the farm

“On getting there, we saw one herdsman and we asked him why they allowed the cows to destroy crops and immediately he blew a whistle and other herdsmen who had been laying ambush surrounded us, hitting us with guns, assault us with rifles and machetes.

“One of them cut off my fingers and started cutting my body with machete. I lost consciousness and only woke up to see myself here at the hospital,” he narrated.

The spokesman for the State Police Command, Mr Ogbonnaya Nta, who confirmed the incident, said the police were on top of the situation while the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Eme Okoro, who is a resident of the community expressed sadness over the attack.

Dr. Okoro said that the herdsmen had threatened to feed on his three hectares of cassava farm with various varieties of cassava.

“I warned the herdsmen never to invade my farm but they told me that the farm is in a forest area and I am surprised, wondering at the nomads audacity to challenge me, a land owner,” he said.

The government official said that he got wind of the possible attack on his community about three days before it occurred and that he alerted the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 9, but it was disheartening that no action was taken to prevent the attack.

“We are humane and interested in the unity of this country but not to the detriment of our people,” he stated.

Although the Commissioner of Police in the state is trying to tie the loose ends to unravel the reason the herdsmen were allowed to carry out their threat, the people are lamenting the nonchalant attitude of the Federal Government over the incessant attacks by herdsmen on the communities in Abia State

Meanwhile, the Ozuitem women who depend mainly on okro as their mainstay had been thrown into hardship as a result of the destruction of their crops which the herdsmen uproot to feed their cows.

Court Jails Herdsmen For Alleged Kidnapping

Two herdsmen, Usman Muhammed and Manu Saleh, on Wednesday appeared before a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja over alleged kidnapping.

They were later remanded in prison custody pending police investigation. Muhammed and Saleh of Gwagwalada Village, Abuja, were arraigned on three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and kidnapping.

The Senior Magistrate, Mohammed Tahir, gave the order for the defendants to be remanded and adjourned hearing till December 8.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Gambo Musa, told the court that one Saidu Adamu, of Gwagwalada village, Abuja, reported the matter at the Nigeria Mobile Police (Mopol) team in Abuja on Nov. 21.

Musa said that the defendants kidnapped the complainant and his son sometimes in October.He said that the defendants later released the complainant in order to source for the ransom demanded for his son’s release.

The prosecutor added that the complainant’s son also managed to escape. He said that on Nov. 18, the defendants came back to the complainant’s house, hit his hand and head with cutlass and kidnapped his wife.

Musa, said that the defendants kept the complainant’s wife in the bush for two days and demanded for N1million ransom until she managed to escape.

He said that the phone used by the duo in demanding for the ransom was recovered from them during police investigations.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 97, 247 and 273 of the Penal Code.

Credit: NAN

Court remands 2 herdsmen for alleged kidnapping.

Two herdsmen, Usman Muhammed and Manu Saleh, on Wednesday appeared before a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja over alleged kidnapping.

They were later remanded in prison custody pending police investigation.

Messrs. Muhammed and Saleh of Gwagwalada Village, Abuja, were arraigned on three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and kidnapping.

The Senior Magistrate, Mohammed Tahir, gave the order for the defendants to be remanded and adjourned hearing till December 8.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Gambo Musa, told the court that one Saidu Adamu of Gwagwalada village, Abuja, reported the matter at the Nigeria Mobile Police (Mopol) team in Abuja on November 21.

Mr. Musa said that the defendants kidnapped the complainant and his son sometimes in October.
He said that the defendants later released the complainant in order to source for the ransom demanded for his son’s release.

The prosecutor added that the complainant’s son also managed to escape.
He said that on November 18, the defendants came back to the complainant’s house, hit his hand and head with cutlass and kidnapped his wife.

Mr. Musa, said that the defendants kept the complainant’s wife in the bush for two days and demanded for N1million ransom until she managed to escape.

He said that the phone used by the duo in demanding for the ransom was recovered from them during police investigations.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 97, 247 and 273 of the Penal Code.

Use of cassava leaves as cattle feed can curb farmers/herdsmen conflict – Institute

The Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute said the use of cassava leaves as livestock feed would reduce crop farmers/herdsmen clashes in the country.

The acting Executive Director of ARMTI, Dr Olufemi Oladunni, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday that unlocking the potentialities of cassava leaves in the production of livestock feed would be a massive step forward in the sector.

Oladunni said it was unfortunate that the conflict between farmers and herdsmen had caused so much losses that could have been avoided if stakeholders in the sector had considered the other potentialities of the cassava plant.

Oladuunni said: “The Minister of Agriculture mandated the institute to carry out a research on cassava to identify the benefits of using cassava leaves as livestock feed and to develop the cassava leaf value chain.

“The benefits of cassava leaves are enormous in terms of improving our livestock production mainly in the area of more proteins for our animals especially the ruminant ones.

“The problem on ground is how to feed the cattle.

“That is why we have been having crisis; the herdsman wants to feed his animals with plants and on the other hand, the crop farmer is the owner of that resource.

“How do we balance the two?

“One of the ways is the cassava lifting we are trying to advocate.

“Over time, we have neglected the other components of cassava as a crop especially the leaves that have been wasting away.’’

Oladunni said cassava leaves could serve as a good source of revenue for a crop farmer and a provider of jobs.

He said the institute would hold a seminar on Nov. 24 to rub minds and see how cassava could be eaten as hay.

He said the institute would also propose a livestock feed mill where such feed could be packaged and sold in markets.

He said: “Nigeria has not focused on it as a nation and that is why we are bringing it to the fore to see how we can develop it as a value chain and as a source of employment.

“Generating a new feed resource for livestock would lead to a reduction in the spate of conflict between crop farmers and herdsmen, these are the areas the seminar will touch on.’’

Prof. Dolapo Lufadeju, the Managing Director, Lufarmco Investment, a consultant to the institute, said Nigeria had not been able to move from pastorialism to domesticating cattle due to lack of feed.

Lufadeju said pastorialaism had been all over the world especially in countries such as the U.K, America, and Russia in time past.

He said it was after such countries had developed their livestock industry into a business that they began to domesticate cattle.

He said they succeeded because they had all the feed their cattle needed.

Lufadeju said: “Here we don’t have anything on which our cattle are based upon and development is fast catching up with the system of pastorialism.

“That is the reason for the conflict between farmers and herdsmen.

“What we are looking at is a major cattle industry that needs to be developed as a business.

“Crop production has advanced, but nothing has happened in terms of development of livestock in this country.’’

31 Killed In Kaduna By Herdsmen After Communities Sign Peace Accord

A day after Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, set up a public apology billboard in Samaru Kataf, 31 people have been reportedly killed in Chawai Chiedom, Kamaru Ward in Kauru Local Government Area of the state.

This came as the Kano State Police Command yesterday confirmed that eight members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shiites had been killed in the state during the clash between the sect members and the police.

The governor had while unveiling the public apology billboard in Samaru Kataf of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area last Saturday, promised that the state government would prosecute people who called on locals to defend their communities.

The communities allegedly attacked on Sunday by suspected Fulani herdsmen, were said to have included Ungwan Rimi, Kitakum, Ungwan Magaji and Kigam in Kauru. About 45 houses were said to have been burnt.

Residents, in conjunction with the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) were said to have compiled a list of the houses that were destroyed and while the death toll was put at 31.

Read More: thisdaylive

 

UNIABUJA VC Decries Activities Of Herdsmen, Land Speculators

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Micheal Umale Adikwu, yesterday, in Abuja condemned the activities of herdsmen and land poachers whom he accused of constituting a threat to the security of students, stable academic activities, and the overall growth and development of the university

Adikwu, who stated this in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammadu Bello, said students in the university campus are virtually struggling for space with their cattle which also pollutes the environment and makes it difficult for virile academic activity,

His words: “We were informed that the university land was given to the herdsmen after some fight that earlier took place elsewhere and the herdsmen were displaced. Today, they constitute a threat to our students. Our campus is littered with cattle all day long.”

The VC also solicited for assistance in addressing the issue of massive encroachment on the institution’s 11,000 hectares of land.

He said, “The university land is being encroached on massively in Angwan Dodo, Gwako I and II, Giri village and in Sauka and Sabon-Iddo on the Gwagwalada-Abuja highway.

“The Gwagwalada Area Council is not helping matters as it was providing amenities in the villages, thereby attracting more settlers. The possibility of fencing the university’s land and compensation for the original inhabitants may stem the tide of encroachment.”

Responding, the minister emphasized the need to set up a joint team to identify the areas that belong to the university and promised to issue the Certificate of Occupancy after all proper documentations and relevant payments are made.

The minister however said that the university land was too big for a single institution, saying that land was no longer available in Abuja.

He said “Do you really need 11,000 hectares? Because the reality is that land is no longer available in Abuja and the reality is that no institution will be able to develop the land, and as long as the land is not developed, encroachment will happen,” .

Credit:

http://dailytimes.ng/uniabuja-vc-decries-activities-herdsmen-land-poachers/

Now that the Senate has thrown out the Grazing Bill, what next? – Adeeko Ademola

The Senate yesterday stepped down three bills on the controversial issue of grazing in the country.

They are: “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of Grazing Areas Management Agency and Other Related Matters 2016”, sponsored by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso (APC, Kano Central); “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of National Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation and Control of Ranches and Connected Purposes 2016”, sponsored by Senator Barnabas Gemade (APC, Benue North-East); and “A Bill for an Act to Control the Keeping and Movement of Cattle in Nigeria and Other Related Matters 2016”, sponsored by Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu North).

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said the Senate lacked the constitutional authority to legislate on the issues.

In as much as I would have loved that we find a lasting solution to the issue of animal grazing in Nigeria in the national assembly, I’m also of the opinion that the state governors do have a huge part to play in resolving the crisis that follows destruction of farmlands by Fulani herdsmen and their livestock.

As I have always opined that the Grazing Bill is dead on arrival basically because it does not address the fundamental questions raised by the victims of the herdsmen versus farmers carnage.

The Grazing Bill seeks to allocate portions of lands all over the federation to herdsmen for grazing. Any critical thinking person should know that this move will but only further the escalation of the feud between herdsmen and host communities. Using constitutional powers to allocate lands to nomads in host communities cannot count as a just method to solving the crisis.

Creating a grazing route in 36 states of the federation is like favoring settlers with the ownership rights to lands over the indigents of a particular area and considering how deeply divided the Nigerian people are along tribal and ethnic lines, the bill simply seeks to institutionalize the existing tension between herdsmen and farmer which in turn tends to be more dangerous than what we presently witness.

For instance, allocating grazing lands to a Fulani man in a Yoruba land like Ekiti is not a move that will sit well with the original indigents unless of course it is a business transaction of which in this case, is not.

Apart from the land-grabbing outlook of the allocation of lands for grazing, we are simply seeking to elaborate an already over-bloated government. In a time of recession, when the government is expected to reduce the size of it’s operations in order to save cost, we are looking to pass a bill that seeks to establish a Grazing Route Agency which intends to have a secretariat in all 36 state of the federation and thereby incurring running costs in operation and staff remuneration.

In a corruption-ridden country like ours, we cannot afford to use tax-payers money to create avenues for corrupt practices. As the struggle to cleanse ministries, parastatals and agencies of corruption, it’s not advisable to encourage corrupt practices by creating unneeded and inconsequential government agencies.

What To Do:

It is a laudable move for the government to put into consideration the plight of the herdsmen but that should not come at the detriment of people with other sources of livelihood. Therefore, the Grazing method of animal husbandry should be replaced with immediate effect by Ranching.

Ranching is the practice of raising herds of animals on large tracts of land. A ranch is an area of landscape, including various structures, given primarily to the practice of ranching, the practice of raising grazing livestock such as cattle or sheep for meat, diary, skin or wool.

One of the major reasons why Ranching should be adopted over Nomadic Grazing is the elimination of the movement of animals from one part of the country to another thereby infringing on the rights of other citizens. Apart from averting crisis, research has also shown that animals that are ranched tend to be healthier than those that are being moved around.

In furtherance, ranching is a good source of revenue generation for state governments. Providing ranches in the 19 Northern States of Nigeria will go a long way in ensuring that cattle owners do not have to leave the state in search of vegetation for their animals thereby helping the government to keep tabs on revenue opportunities. For instance, if there are ranches in a state like Sokoto, the Sokoto Government can lease out such ranches to willing herders in exchange for money. Proper sensitization of herdsmen by the government can be carried out to give better understanding about the benefits that come with ranching.

SECURITY: Herdsmen over time, have always had dangerous encounters with cattle rustlers. Cattle rustling is the act of stealing cattle, which is made easy because of the nomadic nature of Fulani Herdsmen. Despite bitter encounters, the government have not been able to find a solution to cattle rustling and that is basically because it is almost impossible to provide security for an entity which happens to be on the move constantly. Animals that are ranched up in one location can be adequately provided with necessary security. The risk of being attacked and robbed in open fields will be greatly minimized because animals can be efficiently tracked and appropriately secured.

HEALTHCARE: As part of the benefits herdsmen will enjoy, ranches also enable animals to be tracked and properly given the needed medical attention. Government can set up veterinary facilities to ensure quality of animal production. This feature will be impossible if animals are being moved from one place to another in a nomadic method. In ranches, when animals need medical attention, all the farmer needs to do is to contact the closest veterinary facility to get help and because the veterinary personnel readily knows the location of the animals, response is swift and precise. Also, laboratories for animal medical researches can be set up to have a proper study of livestock in terms of behavioral patterns in comparison to weather, nutrition, climate and so many other factors. Such researches help in projections and provisions of certain inventions that may yet be beneficial to both farmers, animals and consumers of animal products such as leather, beef, dairy and other by products.

If government can generate funds from herdsmen by providing them with ranches, the outcome benefits of such collaboration is not quantifiable. From security, to healthcare, to improvement in livestock production, the benefits trump whatever benefits derived from the nomadic method of animal husbandry.

Since the Senate has stepped down the Grazing Bill and made it known publicly that finding a lasting solution to the issue of grazing is the sole responsibilities of State Governors, it is time the governors especially northern governors came together in a forum with sole purpose of mapping out plans to ensure the clashes between herdsmen and farmers come to a perpetual halt.

I have, in this piece made their job 50% easier. All the need to do is; do a little more research, fine-tune it and then implement.

Ekiti Govt Signs Peace Pact With Herdsmen, Releases Seized Cattles

As parts of efforts at ensuring seamless herdsmen operation in Ekiti, the state government and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) yesterday signed a peace pact after fine-tuning grey areas in the enforcement of the Anti-Grazing Law in the state.

This came as governor, Ayodele Fayose, ordered the release of nine cows of the member of the group seized by the operatives of the recently inaugurated Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshals for contravening grazing law.

The governor stated that the move became necessary so as to cement the relationship between the government , crops farmers and the Fulani herdsmen in the state.

He however,however maintained that the approved grazing period 7am to 6pm as stipulated in the law stands and that anyone who contravenes this will be dealt with.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held at  the government house with the leadership of Miyetti Allah in Ekiti and the southwest , traditional rulers and the Fulani community on Thursday, the governor also directed that all cattle rearers operating in the State are to register with the traditional rulers of their host communities.

He further stressed  that the free registration must be done within the next 14 days, after which the registered names would be forwarded to the state government for data keeping.

Credit: leadership

18 Dead As Herdsmen, Farmers Clash

At least 18 people were killed and dozens wounded in clashes in Niger between cattle herders and farmers, officials said, adding that women and children were among the dead.

The violence kicked off on Tuesday morning after a herd of cattle wandered into a farmer’s field and damaged the cereal crop, a local official said, asking not to be named.

Such clashes are not unusual in drought-hit Niger, where food shortages and scarce water supplies inflame tensions, especially during the harvest, which coincides with cattle being moved to pasture.

“The clashes were unusually violent, it was very barbaric,” the official told AFP. “It was the death of the owner of the field, in the first altercation, that set things off,” he added.

He said a significant number of women and children were killed, without providing a precise toll.

The interior ministry said 18 people were killed and another 43 wounded in the clashes, which happened in the western Tahoua region, adding that homes were also set on fire.

It said in a statement that security forces had restored order and an investigation was under way, while calling for calm.

The clashes come nearly two years after 10 people were killed in the same region in similar clashes between cattle herders and farmers.

Credit:

http://guardian.ng/news/18-dead-as-herdsmen-farmers-clash/

Residents flee Delta community over suspected herdsmen’s attacks

Following repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen, some residents of Ossissa community in Ndokwa East Local Government Council of Delta State have deserted their homes.

The traditional ruler, HRH Ijibueze Uzu, said the community has sent a petition to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and President Muhammadu Buhari to come to their rescue.

In the letter, a copy of which was made available to our reporter, HRH Ijibueze Uzu, said the horrendous activities of the herdsmen had continued to prevent indigenes of the town including other inhabitants from their farms in the past two years, thereby creating hunger among them.

The monarch explained that the cattle rearers, among other crimes, had destroyed their farm crops after allegedly attacking the farmers and raping their wives.

Last weekend, thousands of persons mostly women marched through the town, protesting against the activities of the herdsmen in the area. They alleged that two more persons sustained machete cuts and called on security agents to bring the hoodlums to book.

The leader of the women, Mrs. Enechukwu Comfort said: “On October 21, herdsmen numbering about six attacked two of our indigenes; Azuka Okutu and Emeka Nwanne in the bush with sophisticated weapons, including AK 47 riffles and machetes.”

The other demands by the women, which were written on the placards read: “Fulani must go,” “Ossissa, the food basket of the nation, government help us,” “Go back to agriculture, but there is no farmland because of herdsmen,” “Ossissa is a peaceful community, Fulani leave our land,” “Enough is enough, Enough of Fulani harassment of our women” and “Herdsmen are the cause of food scarcity in Nigeria.”

In Gombe State, the police command has deployed special teams to high-risk parts of the state to forestall clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

The state Police Commissioner Mr. Austin Iwar at a security meeting with traditional rulers, council chairmen, farmers association and Miyetti Allah in Gombe yesterday directed all division police officers (DPOs) to constitute teams in order to further strengthen anti-conflict operations of the Nigeria Police.

Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly (NASS) from Ekiti State have declared their support for the state anti-grazing law.

They maintained: “The law must be obeyed by anyone willing to do cattle business in Ekiti State because Nigeria is a federation and each state is empowered by law to make laws to protect its people.”

The NASS members are Senators Biodun Olujimi and Duro Faseyi as well as House of Representatives members, which include Akin Awodumila, Segun Adekola, and others.

Military will end attacks by herdsmen soon – DHQ

The Nigerian military has assured that it would soon combat Fulani herdsmen unleashing terror on the citizens across the nation.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonishakin, while speaking on the successes recorded by the military in crushing Boko Haram insurgents, said it has become necessary to end the activities of the herdsmen and other criminal gangs nationwide.

Olonishakin, who was represented by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Abubakar Rabe, addressed journalists in Kaduna at the weekend.

He said the military would soon put a stop to the deadly activities of the herdsmen who have ravaged many communities and destroyed lives and property.

According to him: “We are coming up with Operation Accord. It is an operation initiated by the Defence Headquarters to tackle the activities of herdsmen. I believe as soon as it becomes operational this issue of incessant clashes between herdsmen and communities will be a thing of the past.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens wherever they are.”

Explaining the successes recorded by the military against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, Olonishakin said: “Boko Haram is gone and gone forever. The armed forces have done everything possible to dislodge them and they are 100 per cent contained.

“Our countrymen and women have testified to what we have done. It now remains the total commitment and mobilisation to ensure that the interests of criminal groups are not protected. What they want is just for them to be noticed and when they do anything they should be heard.”

The defence chief added: “There is no country in the world that contains insurgency within a time span of seven years like Nigeria. Mali had to send their military chief to come to learn from us on what we have done to contain the activities of the Boko Haram group.”

800 Herdsmen arrested over violent attacks across Nigeria.

Security agencies in Nigeria have arrested about 800 suspected violent herdsmen across the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo made this disclosure in Houston, Texas in the US on Friday at a Townhall event where he interacted with US-based Nigerians who asked questions live at the event and also via the Internet, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson Mr. Laolu Akande in Houston.

The Vice President fielded about thirty questions at a well attended townhall event moderated by Mr. Rudolf Okonkwo of Sahara Reporters and Prof. Nimi Wariboko of Boston University.

Asked about the issue of Fulani Herdsmen attacks in certain states across the country and what the Federal Government was doing to curb the problem, the Vice President said “the President has given firm instructions to the security agencies to arrest not only herdsmen who are attacking communities anywhere in the country but anyone of them or anyone at all in possession of firearms.”

He added that “there are about 800 of suspected violent herdsmen in the country that are currently in custody.” The Vice President however decried the slow pace of the criminal justice system which is affecting the prompt trial of such suspects.

Prof. Osinbajo reminded the audience however that the issue of killings by such violent herdsmen has been a perennial issue especially as grazing lands continue to disappear over the years and the cattle feed on peoples crops on the farmlands. He clarified that the matter just did not crop up when President Buhari assumed office.

Vice President Osinbajo then urged against the tendency of interpreting the herdsmen issue as a religious issue, stressing that it is important for all Nigerians to refuse such divisive narratives and tendencies.

He reminded his audience that there has always been conflict between herdsmen and communities across the country and that people should disabuse the notion that the problem has just started because President Buhari, a Fulani is currently at the helm of affairs in the country.

Answering question on the need for community policing, the Vice President indicated that community policing via State Police is indeed a cardinal program of the ruling APC. However the party agenda cannot be introduced until there is an amendment to the nation’s constitution.

Giving a scenario where a policeman from Bayelsa State for instance is working in Borno State where he cannot even speak the language or understand the culture of the people he is policing, noting that such is counterproductive.

The current situation where police activities is controlled at the federal level sure has some limitations, he conceded adding that the “ the federal government is currently working to introduce community policing that would be in line with the constitution.”

Commenting on the recent arrest of judges in the country, Prof. Osinbajo told his Nigerian audience in Texas that impunity could be very dangerous in any sector and that the federal government is only exercising its executive function in attempting to check excesses.

He pointed out that the important thing is that due process is being followed as the judges were released about 24 hours after their arrest and once they had given their statements.

The Vice President also responded to a question on the state of the nation’s economy and attributed the current recession to the loss of about 60 percent of government revenue due to pipeline vandalisation and endemic corruption in the system.

He however stated that getting back oil production is a sure way to get out of the recession and the federal government is working to sort it out.

Answering question from the internet on when former President Goodluck Jonathan would be arrested, Osinbajo pointed out that the Buhari administration is not in the business of arresting just anyone anyhow. He said all the Buhari administration does is to empower the security agencies and the anti-corruption agencies to do their jobs, without the administration trying to teleguide them.

He also added that the fight against corruption in the country is not fought on ethnic, hasty or premediated grounds.

According to him, “ corruption is not an ethnic thing, there is an equal representation in the stealing as no one operates with his/her ethnic group alone, the culprits are in every case seen so far, united by greed to steal and not by ethnic or religious interest.”

He frowned at a situation where for instance as much as $15 billion has disappeared from the national coffers into private pockets, pointing out that no responsible government would wave that aside so as not to offend people.

Commenting on the declining fortunes of Nigeria in international sporting competitions occasioned by poor funding by the government, the Vice President said that a long-term solution to inadequate funding of sports is private sector involvement.

According to him, looking around countries that have excelled in international sporting competitions, the private sector in those countries are directly involved and that is exactly what should happen in Nigeria.

By the time companies and organizations take up sports sponsorship, he believes that the tide would change for good.

Nigerians from all walks of life in Houston, Texas and from other parts of the US attended the town hall meeting which was preceded by a Nigeria Infrastructure summit which showcased opportunities for foreign investors in Nigeria.

Anti-grazing law may degenerate into major crisis – Ooni of Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said the anti-grazing law on Fulani herdsmen was a welcome development across Nigeria, but called for care in handling the issue.

The Ooni made this known at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe on Thursday.

He recalled that the state governor, Ayodele Fayose, had recently signed the prohibition of cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti Bill, 2016 to Law, which prevented free grazing of cattle in the state and carrying of firearms by herdsmen, as well restriction of grazing period to between 7am and 6pm

The new law prescribed six months jail term without option of fine to any herdsman, who is found guilty.
The development had raised concern in the state as Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, had stated that the anti-malu vigilante by the state government was not ant only provoking,  but capable of creating uncontrollable scenarios whose ramification may go well beyond the state.

The Ooni, however, said his plea for caution became necessary in order not to allow the issue degenerate into a major crisis.

He said, “We need to be careful handling the threat posed by some herdsmen across the country, especially in the Yoruba region of the country.

“Because Nigeria is a federation and Ekiti State is in a federation, there is need for care in the handling of the issue because it could degenerate.”

Fight back, defend yourselves if herdsmen attack you – Fayose charges Ekiti people.

Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, yesterday exploded in anger in reaction to the threat of reprisal attack by the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), an umbrella body of herdsmen who alleged that some of their cattle were killed recently.

While reacting to the governor’s inauguration of the Ekiti Grazing Law Enforcement , EGEM, recently, Miyetti AllaMarshalsh, had said in a statement on Saturday that the Federal Government must intervene in the inauguration of the marshals, which the herdsmen alleged had shot five of their cows, warning that: “before this incident develops into unquenchable inferno involving our members and Ekiti State government.”

In the statement signed by its spokesman, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, the group said: “Fayose unleashed the marshals against our members whose herds of cattle had gone to a stream at Agon bridge on Federal Polytechnic Road between the time of 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to quench their thirst on Friday, October 21 ,” claiming that “the vigilance group shot five cows and carted away the meat, but the herdsman was able to flee with the rest of his cattle.”

But Fayose dismissed Miyetti Allah’s claims as untrue and disclosed that the said five cows are alive and in custody of the state government.

Furious at the herdsmen’s threat, governor Fayose asked if the lives of cattle is more important than that of human beings, asking why did the group didn’t write the president when their colleagues were killing hundreds in Benue and Plateau states respectively. “Why didn’t Miyetti Allah that is now calling on President Mohammadu Buhari to warn me, the custodian of the mandate of Ekiti people warn its members when they were killing Nigerians and destroying farmlands? Are their cows more important than human lives?

“To us in Ekiti, lives of 5,000 cows cannot be equated with those of human beings that are being killed daily by herdsmen across the country. Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria should know that cattle farmers are not different from other farmers. If they want to rear cows in Ekiti, they should do so in accordance with the laws of the State. After all, law prohibiting sale and consumption of alcohol was made in Kano State and the law is being enforced while Sharia Law made in some States in the north is also being enforced.”

Fayose blamed the Federal Government on its silence on the development, saying: “Four days after this threat was issued against the government and people of Ekiti State by the Miyetti Allah, the federal government is yet to act in any manner that will disabuse the minds of Ekiti people, who believed that the federal government is in support of the threat.

“The silence of the federal government has no doubt further confirmed the insinuation that there is plot to give tacit support to the
herdsmen to invade some border towns and villages in Ekiti State and cause chaos in the State so as to justify the evil agenda of declaration of a state of emergency on the State.”

The governor who recalled the herdsmen’s killing of hundreds in some parts of the country in the name of same reprisal attack, further said

”Nigerians should be reminded that in May, this year, Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria said openly that the reason for the killing of over 1,000 people in Benue State was the killing of over 800 cattle by Tiv youths. In other words, Miyetti Allah boldly told Nigerians that its members (herdsmen) killed over 1,000 Agatu people of Benue State because their cows were killed!

” Up till today, no one has been arrested for the massacre in Agatu in Benue State and now, Ekiti State and its people are being threatened by this same Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and the federal government has pretended as if nothing was wrong.

He continued: ” From the words and antecedents of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, it is clear that they have assurance beyond their personal minds from the federal government to kill Nigerians in place of their cows. If not, by now, the man who signed that press statement, threatening the entire people of Ekiti State ought to have been arrested and questioned.
” Therefore, in view of the above, we wish to tell Nigerians and the entire world that in the event of any invasion of Ekiti State by killer herdsmen, the federal government should be held responsible.

” The herdsmen and those urging them on should also be informed that any attack on one Ekiti person is an attack on all Ekitis and we shall not sit back and allow our people to be killed under the guise of cattle rearing.

”In the event of federal government’s security agencies refusal to secure the lives and properties of Ekiti people, the people will have no option than to defend themselves. Our forefathers did same in the famous Kiriji War and we won’t mind doing the same now!”

The governor challenged Ekiti people to be on alert against any attack by herdsmen, saying: “I am, therefore, using this opportunity to put Ekiti people, especially residents of border towns in the State on red alert. Ekiti people must be prepared to defend their land against these Philistines whose attributes and characters are extremism, violence, bloodshed and destruction.”

He also reiterated his resolve on the grazing law he signed in the state: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Bill, 2016 that was signed into law on August 29, 2016 remains in force.

” Therefore, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria should rather tell its members to comply with this law by seeking from the government designated land for grazing ranch, which the government is always willing to give.

”It is strange that the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria kept silent when its members killed two people and injured several others in Oke Ako in Ekiti State. So strange that the same Miyetti Allah that defended the murder of over 1,000 Agatu people of Benue State and kept silent when herdsmen killed over 100 people killed in Enugu State and a traditional ruler was killed in Delta State suddenly found its voice when Ekiti State government decided to curb the murderous activities of its men.

Fulani Herdsmen: Confiscated cows to go for ‘stomach infrastructure’ – Fayose

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has declared that any cow confiscated under the State Grazing Regulation Law will be slaughtered and shared to the people as part of the “Stomach Infrastructure” policy of his administration.

The governor who disclosed this on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during the inauguration of Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshals (EGEM) said herdsmen caught grazing their cattle beyond the 6.00 pm risks six months jail while their animals will be confiscated.

Fayose explained that the setting up of the EGEM force was a further step to nip the killing of innocent people and destruction of their means of livelihood by armed herdsmen in the bud.

The EGEM men thrilled the audience with their parade while local hunters also performed at the ceremony. Some of the marshals displayed placards some of which read “No To Terrorism By Herdsmen”, Fayose Is Working, Ekiti Is Moving”, among others.

Fayose who were an olive green long sleeve shirt with a camouflage fez cap to match explained that the marshals are not to carry arms and therefore would collaborate with security agencies empowered by law to carry arms to tackle armed cattle rearers.

He said: ?”We have a right to life and to survive and holding things for our survival especially peasant farmers, whose means of livelihood are taken away by cattle feeding on their crops.? If the gains of peasant farmers are taken away in a jiffy, that is condemnable.?

“We will bring to a permanent end, the situation whereby some people take away the means of livelihood of others.

“On August 29, 2016, the Anti-Grazing Bill was passed by the House of Assembly and the bill was signed into law by me on August 30.? Some people go as far as grazing in the night when farmers are no longer at their farms.?

“Any cattle found grazing after the time stipulated by the law will be confiscated by the government.Such cattle will be sold or killed on the spot ?and shared to people as part of our Stomach Infrastructure programme,” he said.

The governor had Wednesday last week personally stopped open grazing along Afao Road and supervised the “arrest” of a cow on his way to commissioning projects in Ikole Ekiti.

Fayose contended that 10, 000 cattle could not compensate for the life of the human being lost to a conflict between herdsmen and local farmers.

While frowning at cattle rustling by some people, Fayose added that the law was in the interest of cattle rearers too, as their operations would be streamlined.

The governor added that the phone numbers of the marshals would be made public and warned the marshals against going beyond their mandate.

“This is not an opportunity to harass or intimidate innocent people. You are to enforce the law and not to break it. Anybody found going beyond his bounds would be dealt with accordingly,” he stressed.

In her opening remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Modupe Alade, said the law had helped in curbing incessant attacks on local farmers by herdsmen and feasting on crops by cattle.

The Chairman, Hunters Association, Ikole Local Government, Joseph Osasona, commended Fayose for the initiative.

Osasona recalle?d that it was the prompt intervention of the governor in Oke Ako-Ekiti early in the year when some armed herdsmen attacked the people, that sent a strong signal to lawbreakers to stay away from the state.

He noted that it was inhuman for anybody to jeopardise the lives and means of livelihood of others because he wants to rear cattle.

“Herdsmen And Farmers’ Clashes is the Governors’ Responsibility” – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday said it is not the responsibility of President Muhammadu Buhari to address the lingering clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

Obasanjo also decried the increasing level of hunger in the country, stressing that it was sad to note that about 65 per cent of Nigerians were faced with food insecurity.

The former president spoke during the 23rd Annual LAPO Development Forum with the theme, ‘Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities’, organised by the Lift Above Poverty Organisation in Abuja.

Obasanjo said, “Some of the words that have been coming from our leaders, particularly from state governors are not helpful! This issue is not a federal issue and another thing, I don’t like about it is that when you talk of Fulani herdsmen, people talk of the President.

“Now because the President of Nigeria is a Fulani man, you expect him to solve the problem immediately, that is not his job. And when people make comments like this, it annoys me.

He noted that during the colonial era, there were grazing reserves in most parts of the North, but wondered what had happened to them.

Obasanjo said, “I need to state that it is the responsibility of local governments to take care of them. Now, states should have even done better, but they haven’t, and then when you have cattle rustling, herdsmen and farmers conflict, you try to make it a national issue. It is not really a national issue.

“For me, the herdsmen are entitled be able to look after their animals but they are not entitled to destroy the crops of the rural farmers, it is unacceptable.”

Anti-Grazing Law: Fayose Personally Arrests A Cow At Ikole Ekiti (Pictures)

As posted by Governor Fayose’s Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media,  Lere Olayinka on his Facebook wall:
“As Governor Fayose was going to Ikole Ekiti today, he came across herdsmen along Afao Ekiti road, Ado Ekiti.
“The governor demonstrated the seriousness of the State Anti Grazing Law by personally seeing to it that one of the COWS was “arrested” by youths who chased the cows after the herdsmen ran into the bush upon seeing the governor’s security men. The remaining cows ran into the bush too.
“Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshall (EGEM) will start work in few days time.”

 

 

Military raises task force to tackle armed herdsmen

The Defence authorities have said that the military is perfecting plans to operationalise the Special Task Force codenamed Operation Accord designed to deal with the menace of herdsmen in Benue State and other states in the country.

The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, said on Sunday that the Defence authorities had completed all arrangements and logistical requirements for the inauguration of the task force.

Abubakar said the military was only waiting to perfect ‘other things’ for the task force to commence operation.

TIt was reported on August 29, 2016, that the Defence authorities were planning a task force codenamed Operation Accord to deal with the threat posed by the Fulani herdsmen to communities in the country with the operational headquarters in one of the states of the North-Central geopolitical zone.

Abubakar said that once the Operation Accord became operational, the issue of the incessant herdsmen attacks on communities in the society would be a thing of the past.

He said that the military was aware of the situation in Benue State and decided to hold this year’s Chief of Army Staff Conference in the state to send a strong signal that it would do something about the herdsmen challenge very soon.

He said, “Well, you are aware that the situation in Benue State is of concern to the military. To show our concern, last week, we had the Chief of Army Staff annual conference in that place, and that demonstrates the extent to which we have shown concern, just to send the signal that we will do something very soon.

“As I am speaking with you, the Operation Accord which is the brainchild of the Defence headquarters would take effect soon. All arrangements, all other logistic requirements, all the training, and what have you, have been completed and what is remaining now is just to ensure that all other things are complete before we move into action. And I believe very soon, the story will change.

“It is unfortunate and it is condemnable that this kind of thing, they claim, is being carried out by some herdsmen but I believe by the time we put all these things in order, all these would go.

“I am assuring you, I am assuring Nigerians that once our operations come into being, incessant attacks by herdsmen against innocent citizens would be a thing of the past.

Government To Build Ranches, Grazing Reserves As Solution To Herdsmen Violence

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Engineer Babachir David Lawal on Thursday said that the government was going ahead with decision to establish ranches and grazing reserves across the country as a solution to the incessant clashes between Fulani cattle rearers and local farmers.
He made the remark while receiving a delegation of Tabital Pulako Njode Jam Foundation, led by its Chairman Alhaji Abdul Bali, in Abuja.
Lawal, in a statement by the Director (Press) in the office of the SGF Bolaji Adebiyi, also noted that nomads from outside Nigeria have migrated into the country and have been the ones perpetuating most of the crimes on the farmlands.
He assured that government will do the needful to enlighten Fulani Herdsmen on how to make cattle rearing more profitable by utilizing the ranches and reap other social and political benefits that such settlements will offer.
The Foundation, he said, was set up to look into the problem of clashes between Fulani Cattle Rearers and Farmers.
“The foundation, in its submissions, is also convinced that the nomads from other lands are responsible for the senseless killings on the farms and urged the government to strengthen control at our land borders. The foundation is ready to partner with government to bring the situation under control.”

Foreign Nomads Responsible for Farmers, Herdsmen Clashes – FG

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir David Lawal, Thursday revealed that nomads from outside Nigeria have migrated into the country and that they are the ones perpetuating most of the crises among farmers and herders across the country.

He also reiterated the decision of the present administration to establish ranches and grazing reserves across the country as solution to the incessant clashes between cattle rearers and local farmers.

The SGF who gave the revelation when he received in audience, a delegation of Tabital Pulako Njode Jam Foundation, led by the Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Bali, assured that government will do the needful to enlighten herdsmen on how to make cattle rearing more profitable by utilising the ranches and reap other social and political benefitsthat such settlements will offer.

In another development, the SGF assured the people of the North East that government agencies responsible for the rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the region, do not discriminate, in the provision of relief materials to the various states.

According to him, relief items were distributed with a deep sense of equity and fairness, and emphasised that the severity of the hardships of the IDPs in the affected communities and states was the major consideration in the distribution exercise.

He made this clarification in his office when he received a delegation from another group, the Lardin Gabas Elders Forum led by the Chairman Board of Trustees, Captain Paul Tahir.

He explained that rehabilitation efforts in the North-East, apart from the of foods items, tents and building materials, included the reconstruction of schools, hospitals, police stations and barracks.

He said to streamline rehabilitation activities in the region, and accelerate the return of normal life to the North-Eastern states; a Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative (PCNI) will soon be inaugurated by Mr. President.

The Forum, according to the delegation, is ready to work with the Federal Government to ensure that succour is brought to victims of the insurgency. The forum also advocates the return of Christian Religious Studies to school curriculum to teach youths about good moral upbringing, early.

Herdsmen Kills 3, Burn Down Houses In Kaduna Villages

Herdsmen have again allegedly killed three in Dogon Daji village and torched part of Antang Village all around Godogodo in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Godogodo axis has been under intense siege since July by alleged herdsmen. Affected villages said, the alleged Fulani are pushing them out using violence claiming that most of the affected villages have been designated as Cattle Grazing Reserves by the government.

Meanwhile, the acting Local Government Chairman of Jema’a LGA, Mr. Humble Katuka said that


only two were killed in Dogon Daji and two houses burnt in Antang.
According to him, “Report reaching me said that two people were killed in Dogon Daji, and then they burnt two houses in Atang.
“They diverted the attention of the Police and soldiers stationed in Godogodo and sneaked to these areas to cause havoc. But, security have been beefed up and I shall personally go there later to inspect what has happened,” he said.

A source from Dogon Daji village said, “This morning, a group of herdsmen attacked our village (Dogon Daji). They killed three people and injured about six people. I am not sure, because we had to move out women and children. Then the armed herdsmen moved to Antang and burnt part of the village and injured some people,” he said.

Suspected Herdsmen Kill 3, Raze Houses In Kaduna Villages

Suspected herdsmen have killed three persons in Dogon Daji community and torched part of Antang Village, near Godogodo in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The  Godogodo axis has been under intense siege of alleged herdsmen since July.

According to the residents of the affected villages, the itinerant herdsmen  have been forcing them out of their communities, claiming that their farmlands have been designated as Grazing Reserves by the government.

The council’s Acting  Chairman Humble Katuka who confirmed the raids, said that only two were killed in Dogon Daji and two houses burnt in Antang.

He said: “Report reaching me said that two people were killed in Dogon Daji, and then they burnt two houses in Atang.

“They diverted the attention of the police and soldiers stationed in Godogodo and sneaked to these areas to wreak havoc. But, security have been beefed up and I shall personally go there later to inspect what has happened.”

However, a source from Dogon Daji said: “This morning (yesterday), a group of herdsmen attacked our village (Dogon Daji). They killed three people. And injured about six others. I am not sure, because we have to move out women and children. Then, the armed herdsmen moved to Antang and burnt part of the village and injured some people.”

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Suspected herdsmen kill 3, raze houses in Kaduna villages

Herdsmen Attack Another Enugu Community

Fulani herdsmen, yesterday, made good their threat when they attacked Aku community in the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.
They kidnapped two villagers while another is feared to have been killed.
Reports from the community revealed that the herdsmen attacked some farmers in their farm, kidnapped two of them just as one person is feared to have died in the attack.
The attack comes five months after a previous one in Ukpabi, Nimbo, in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state, on Tuesday, April 26, 2016.
The midnight raid by suspected Fulani herdsmen left over 15 people including a National Youth Service Corps member and elderly men, dead.
During his visit to the community, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi broke down in tears.
Last week, traditional rulers and leaders of Aku community, raised fresh alarm over threats by the herdsmen to  avenge the alleged theft of 300 cows and slaughtering of about 10 others by unknown persons in the area.
Addressing a news conference in Enugu, the six traditional rulers of Aku, including the chairman Aku Traditional Rulers’ Council Igwe V.O Attah, expressed concern over a certain comment said to have been made in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer in the area, by one Alhaji Sadiq, about an imminent attack on the Aku Community.
They had urged relevant authorities to accord the threat  the gravity and urgency it deserved.
The community leaders recalled that on September 8, 2016, Alhaji Sadiq, one of the leaders of the Fulani herdsmen in the South East, raised the alarm that youths from Aku attacked herdsmen camp near Aku Town, robbed them of N10, 000, butchered 10 cows and proceeded to steal 300 cows.

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Women Protests Herdsmen Invasion In A‘Ibom

Women of Ikot Umoessien Community in Odoro Ikot Clan, Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom at the weekend embarked on peaceful protest to express their dismay over incessant destruction of their crops and farmland by Fulani herdsmen.

The protesters led by the women leader, in the area Deaconess Martha Philip express grievances and draw Government attention to their plights as law abiding citizens.

The demonstrators who carried placards which reads; “We believe in Udom Dakada spirit but herdsmen is our bane,” Ikot Umoessien people are peace lovers, herdsmen leave our farm,” Our crops are destroyed by Fulani cattle “Enough is enough leave us in peace,” Government please visit our community for redress marched through the streets of Ikot Umoessien to the military barracks in the area.

They were however received by the officer in-charge, of the formation Isaiah Davies who thanked the women for their peaceful conduct and promised to convey their grievances to his superiors.

Briefing the soldiers Deaconess Martha Philip beaming with emotions, expressed sadness over the activities of the Fulani herdsmen who rendered their farming efforts to nullity.

Hear her, “our crops are destroyed on daily basis especially cassava, how do we survive next year? We do not go to their farms to destroy their rice, yam even tomatoes they sold to us/ They should leave our farmland,” she concluded.

The Clan head of Odoro Ikot, His Highness Obong G. T Umoren, who received the protesters thanked the women for their courage even as he expressed displeasure over the activities of the cattle shepherds.

Herdsmen Reply Fayose Over Anti-grazing Law

Counsel to Fulani herdsmen in Ekiti State, Mr. Umar Imam has condemned the anti-grazing law signed into law on Monday by Governor Ayodele Fayose.
The herdsmen, through their counsel, said the House of Assembly has no power to charge erring members of the association with terrorism for carrying light weapons.
Imam, acting for the Jamu Nate Fulbe Association of Nigeria, a body of Fulani herdsmen, said herdsmen who carried light weapons like cutlasses, knives, catapult and arrows within the time stipulated by the new law could not be charged with terrorism, adding that the law contradicted the Anti-Terrorism Law as amended in the 1999 Constitution.
The law became effective on Monday following signing into law, a bill tagged: “Prohibition of cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti Bill, 2016 which prevented free grazing of cattle in the state and carrying of firearms by members as well restriction of grazing period to between 7.00am and 6.00pm.
The law specified that any herdsman found with arms during grazing would be charged with terrorism and be jailed for six months without an option of fine. The law also restricted grazing from 7.00am to 6.00pm and banned night grazing as well.
However, Imam said the Anti-Terrorism Law of the Federation stated clearly what constituted an infringement of the law and that carrying of lesser arms does not constitute offence under the provision.
“In my submission during a public hearing on the bill, I told them that these Fulani herdsmen used these lesser weapons for certain purposes to make grazing easier. I also told them that movement at night was to ensure that they don’t wreak havoc on the people during the day while relocating to other towns.  Banning them from moving at night may not help the situation, it will make their jobs difficult,” Imam said.
Seriki of the association in Ekiti, Alhaji Ahmadu Mahmoud, appealed to Fayose to amend the new law, to allow his members to carry lesser arms to ward off attacks during grazing.
Mahmoud, who aligned with the time for grazing, however, said outright banning of night movement would make their jobs difficult and create more confusion. “How can somebody who wants to carry his cattle numbering hundreds from Ekiti to places like Lokoja, Ibadan or Ilorin moves during the day?
“These places are densely populated and it will create traffic congestion and confusion everywhere government must look into all these,” he said

Read More: sunnewsonline

Fayose Signs Bill To Try Herdsmen For Terrorism

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday signed a bill to regulate grazing, into law, with a warning that any herdsman caught with arms will face charges of terrorism.

The governor said the law would curtail activities of suspected herdsmen, who move about with firearms, unleashing terror on citizens.

According to the new law, any offender arrested and convicted is liable to six months’ imprisonment without any option of fine.

Grazing activities in designated places would take place between 7 am and 6 pm daily in Ekiti State.

The governor vowed that his administration will enforce the law, noting that the law was not targeted at any particular group but to ensure that the state does not descend into anarchy and senseless bloodletting.

Fayose signed the bill into law, with traditional rulers, community leaders and interest groups present.

He promised to convoke such a meeting once in three months to review the security situation and other issues affecting the state.

The governor earlier meet with the monarchs and community leaders at the Osuntokun Lodge of the Government House before giving his assent to the law in the open.

He said the bill became expedient to prevent a recurrence of an attack by suspected herdsmen on Oke Ako in Ikole Local Government, where two people were killed and scores injured on May 20.

The governor noted that by working with rulers, he would get a feedback on those plundering state resources, such as trees, farmlands and others.

Fayose said: “My government took the bill to the House after what happened in Oke Ako some months ago. The House has passed the bill and I have to assent it. It becomes a law from today that if you do anything to the contrary you will be punished by the law.”

Any herdsman caught with firearms or any weapon while grazing in Ekiti now will be charged with terrorism. I solicit your support for this government to succeed.”

Read More: TheNation

Enugu Herdsmen’s Attack: Senator, Others Call For State Of Emergency

Angry voices have continued to rise over last Thursday’s attack, by suspected Fulani herdsmen, on Ndiagu Attakwu community in Nkanu-West Local Government Area of Enugu State that left a seminarian and a woman dead, and three others critically wounded.
With the reported death of the second victim of the attack, the Councillors’ Forum, an association of former and current Councillor’s in the state has called for an immediate ban on grazing in the state.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after their visit of the community, leader of the Councillors Forum Hon. Chidiebere Oko, noted that the situation has become so serious that it should no longer be treated with kid gloves.
“Just as we condemn the act, we cannot continue to fold our arms not knowing what tomorrow has in stock. This is getting out of hand and it is time to act. We have, thus, decided as a body, to call for an immediate ban on any form of grazing across the length and breadth of Enugu State.” Oko said.
He called on the state House of Assembly to urgently make a legislation outlawing grazing in Enugu State “be it by Fulani people or any other person for that matter.”
Reacting to the attack, the Senate Committee Chairman on Communications, Gilbert Nnaji, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on activities of herders in the country, while others, including the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), and Igbo Ohanaeze Media Forum have called for various measures ranging from introduction of bills criminalising indiscriminate grazing to outright ban of buying and selling of cow meat by the Igbos.
The Senator, while condoling with families of the victims, warned that until governments at all levels recognise the menace as a national concern, all the public outcries would amount to nothing.
He added that apart from ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book as a deterrent to further attacks, the Federal Government should come up with stringent measures to tackle the issue once and for all, in the interest of the country.
The senator had made a similar call while contributing to the motion, at the senate in April this year, on the massacre of the people of Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu.
Describing the killings as callous and provocative, the Civil Liberties Organisation, (CLO), South-East Zone, urged the governors of the states that make up the zone to sponsor bills in the state Houses of Assembly that would make it a criminal offence for herdsmen to engage in indiscriminate grazing within the zone.
A statement signed by the South-East zonal Chairman of the body, Comrade Aloysius Attah, described the incessant killings by herdsmen as an act of barbarism and terrorism against Igbo people.
In its own reaction, Ohanaeze Media Forum (OMF), the umbrella body said to be made of Igbo journalists called on Ndigbo in every part of the country to shun cow meat as a way of registering their displeasure over the incessant killing of their kits and kins by Fulani herdsmen.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their emergency meeting in Lagos and signed by Chidiadi Elendu and Ngozi Emedoluibe chairman and secretary respectively, the body called on traditional rulers in the South East to ban the use of cow meat in any festival activity in Igbo land.
“When everybody begins to shun cow meat the herdsmen would realize that they no longer have business in Igbo land and would leave,” it noted.

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http://sunnewsonline.com/enugu-herdsmens-attack-senator-others-call-for-state-of-emergency/

Again, Herdsmen Invade Enugu Community, Kill Catholic Seminarian

Suspected Fulani herdsmen in the early hours of on Thursday invaded the sleepy Ndiagu Attakwu Akegbe-Ugwu community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, killing a Catholic seminarian, Lazarus Okafor, and injuring four others, including a pregnant woman.

The suspected herders were said to have invaded the Ogbodo Nwarum family compound in the community at about 2 a.m. and wreaked havoc on the entire household.

While the seminarian had severe machete cuts which led to his death, the four others — the landlord of the house Ogbodo Nwarum, his aged mother, pregnant wife and son — had their bowels ripped open by the herders who left them gasping for life.

The state Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, however, warned that the state would no longer tolerate the mindless killings by the suspected herdsmen, directing the security operatives to ensure that those who were involved in the dastardly act were fished out and made to face the full weight of the law.

The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Greg Ugwu, and the council chairman, Afam Okereke, said the attackers gained access into the building through the ceiling from where they jumped into the house and unbolted the panel door.

Read More: thisdaylive

“Settle In One Location” – Police In Kano Advises Falgore Herdsmen

The Kano State Police Command has advised Herdsmen living around the notorious Falgore forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of the state to settle in one place to make security operations easier.

 

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Rabi’u Yusuf, gave the advice during his visit to some communities affected by the activities of kidnappers and bandits in the area.

 

Rabiu said if the Herdsmen could settle in one place, it would assist the police in checking the activities of hoodlums in the affected areas.

 

“If the Herdsmen are based in one location, it will assist the police in tackling the rampant kidnapping of people in the area,” he said.
The Commissioner, who visited the area to assess the security situation, also called on the residents to continue to give the security operatives deployed to the area maximum support to achieve the desired objective.

He also urged them to always be security conscious and report any suspicious movement to security agents for appropriate action.

 

He called on the officers and men deployed to the area to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties.

 

In his remarks, the District Head of Doguwa, Alhaji Aliyu Harazimi, commended the efforts of the Commissioner and pledged to give him all necessary support.

 

Harazimi called on the Commissioner to deploy additional armed personnel, especially in the affected areas, to bring an end to the activities of the hoodlums.

Herdsmen Attacks Claim 1,269 Lives In Benue- Report

Attacks by Fulani herdsmen in the North-central Nigerian state of Benue has led to the killing of at least escalated 1, 269 persons.

Out of the 23 local government areas in the state, the rampaging herdsmen have invaded and occupied 14 and may invade the remaining nine unless urgent measures are taken to curb the menace, authorities said.

Our findings, confirmed by residents, security officials and the state governor, also showed that in the North-east Senatorial District of the state, the herdsmen have invaded Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Logo, Ukum; leaving out Vandeikya, Konshisha and Ushongo.

In Benue North-east Senatorial District, the killer herdsmen have attacked all the other local government councils except Gboko.

The council areas invaded and occupied by the killer herdsmen include Guma, Gwer-West, Gwer-East, Buruku, Tarka and Makurdi local government councils.

The invasion of Ogbadibo, Agatu and Apa local government areas in Benue South Senatorial District are however believed to be the most brutal.

On February 29, for instance, the herdsmen invaded several Agatu villages and farm settlements in broad daylight, gunning down children, women, men and the elderly.

At the time the gunshots subsided, over 500 villagers were reportedly massacred and over 7000 were displaced in 10 villages including Aila, Okokolo, Akwu, Adagbo, Odugbehon and Odejo.

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http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/208366-investigation-herdsmen-attacks-claim-1269-lives-benue.html

5 Killed As Villagers Mistook Soldiers For Herdsmen In Niger

Five people were feared killed in a clash between soldiers and villagers at Kpaidna village near Beji of Bosso local government area of Niger state.
The number of people injured could not be ascertained, but it was learnt that four vehicles were destroyed while the crisis lasted.

Sources said the incident occurred about 1 am yesterday when the villagers, mistaking the soldiers in an operation for armed Fulani herders, opened fire on them, leading to violent exchanges that led to the death of the five people. An officer and two soldiers are reportedly missing.
It was learnt that a clash between herders and villagers in Barkuta, a community close to where the current incident happened resulted in the death of villagers recently, while a reprisal led to the demise of three herders.
Both the deputy governor, Ahmed Mohammed Ketso and the commissioner of information, culture and tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, who were on hand to access the situation, were prevented from entering the community.
Vatsa said on phone that he could not get into the village because of strong presence of the military.
The Niger State Police Public Relation Officer Bala Elkana confirmed the incident, saying,  “About 1 am we received a report that armed men were attacking Kpaidna village but when we arrived we discovered that they were soldiers in operation.”
He said they gathered that the villagers mistook the soldiers for Fulani herders camouflaging in military uniform to attack the village.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Njideka Agwu, said, “We heard there were arms and ammunition in that village and we went for cordon and search after soldiers were briefed yesterday. Unfortunately, villagers opened fire on us and we don’t know the number of casualty for now because the information is sketchy, but investigation is still on.”
Credit: DailyTrust

Death Toll In Adamawa Herdsmen Attacks Hits 30

The Adamawa State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Ghazzali has been criticized over his comment and handling of the Fulani herdsmen attacks on Kodomun, following the discovery of eight more corpses.

Youths from Kodomun who brought out the corpses of the slain members of the community from the bush said, the recovery of the additional bodies had raised the death toll from the attacks which started on Friday to 30.

The incident, came on the day the Adamawa State Governor, Mohammed Jibrilla, visited the paramount ruler of the area, the Hama Bata, HRH Alhamdu Teneke, and held a security meeting with him at his palace with other service chiefs in the state in attendance.

Ghazzali, who visited the area on Monday shortly after the attacks by herdsmen, had reportedly claimed no life was lost.

Ghazzali’s denial of any casualty resulting from the attacks, while addressing journalists, after the security meeting, elicited anger from those present at the palace.

Ghazzali explained that his refusal to deploy policemen to Kodomun, which had come under attacks, from Fulani herdsmen, earlier on Friday and Saturday, before that of Monday was done so as not to make him look like “taking sides”

He said, “My men were on the ground. We would not risk our men to be there just to give security to one side so that the other side will not think we have taken side with one side.

“There are two different people involved in these clashes: the herdsmen and the farmers. And we have to be very careful in handling such type of communal clashes.”

It was, however, the police commissioner’s insistence that no life was lost in the Monday attacks which sparked the uproar.

The angry youths who threatened to unleash mayhem in the aftermath of his comment were dissuaded from their action by the elders in the palace.

The monarch, who said his people had been killed in the attacks, challenged the security chiefs to visit Kodomun, to find out for themselves if indeed there were “no deaths”.

Credit: Punch

Disarm Herdsmen, Anglican Church Tells FG

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent actions to “disarm all Fulani herdsmen ravaging the country.”

The church, which premised its demand on the need to stem the wave of attacks and killings of harmless farmers in the country, also called on the Christian Association of Nigeria to map out strategies to curb the killings of Christians in the country.

The position of the Anglican Church was contained in a communique on Sunday by Bishop Rev. Duke Akamisoko after the second session of the third synod held at St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Kubwa in Abuja.

The church expressed disappointment with the prevalent attacks on farming communities by the herdsmen in different parts of the country, stressing that the situation was inimical to Nigeria’s desire to promote agriculture.

Akamisoko said, “The Synod notes with dismay the prevalent attacks on farming communities by Fulani herdsmen in different parts of the country and demand that more decisive actions should be taken by the government to disarm the herdsmen to stem the rising wave of attacks and killings of harmless farmers as this is inimical to its desire to diversify our economy through agriculture.”

The cleric noted that while the church was trying to recover from the effect of the massive destruction of lives and property in the North-East by Boko Haram insurgents, the incessant killings of Christians, like the women killed in Kano and Kubwa, were worrisome.

The Bishop also called on the three arms of government to guard the constitutional provisions of freedom of worship and association.

Speaking on the government’s anti-corruption crusade, the church appreciated the efforts of the government, advising the anti-graft agencies to adopt a strategy that would cut across all arms and tiers of government, agencies and departments.

Akamisoko enjoined Nigerians to cooperate with the government for effective result.

Farmer, Herdsmen Conflict: Senate To Find Lasting Solution– Saraki

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has appealed to herdsmen and farmers across the country to maintain peace as the National Assembly is ready to proffer lasting solution to the perennial clashes between farmers and herdsmen over grazing land.

Speaking yesterday when a group of herdsmen from Kautal Hore Socio-Cultural Association Jigawa State branch visited him, the Senate President who described the perennial clashes between the farmers and herdsmen as unfortunate, also appealed to the herdsmen to maintain peace at all times.

According to Saraki, “The National Assembly and all the stakeholders have been meeting on how to ensure that there is permanent peace between the two major groups in the nation’s agricultural system”.

He expressed concern over the frequent clashes, explaining that Nigeria is not the only country where farmers and herdsmen co-exist.

“There must be peace. There must be peaceful coexistence and there cannot be peace when human lives are being wasted. The National Assembly will stop at nothing to ensure that there is peace. We will not stop working until there is peace between the farmers and herdsmen in this country. Please be patient”, Saraki said while promising that the Senate will soon come out with suggestions  on how to end the conflict.

Earlier, chairman of the group, Umar Kabir Hadejia in his speech titled, “Appeal for an intervention” said the Fulanis are traditionally a nomadic pastoral people who rear their cattle and sheep across the vast territory of Nigeria as the largest nomadic group in the world.

He lamented that due to urbanisation, there has been increasing conflict between farmers and the pastoralists largely due to the Fulanis seeking fertile grazing lands for their developmental purposes.

Credit:  Leadership

Ekiti Court Remands Two Herdsmen Over Oke-Ako Mayhem

A Chief Magistrate’s court in Ado Ekiti yesterday remanded two persons, who were suspected to be responsible for the May 20 attack on Oke Ako in Ikole Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State. Two persons died from the attack while three others were severely wounded and are currently receiving treatment in separate private hospitals in Ikole Ekiti and Ado Ekiti. The two suspected killer herdsmen, Usman Salihu, 50, and Abubakar Auta, 52, were arraigned for murder and causing grievous bodily

Two persons died from the attack while three others were severely wounded and are currently receiving treatment in separate private hospitals in Ikole Ekiti and Ado Ekiti. The two suspected killer herdsmen, Usman Salihu, 50, and Abubakar Auta, 52, were arraigned for murder and causing grievous bodily arm by the police. They were consequently remanded in prison custody till September pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution. The development was confirmed by state Police Public Relation Officer, Alberto Adeyemi. Meantime, a resident, Grace Olofin, told newsmen that peace had returned to the town. She confirmed that security agencies were still on

They were consequently remanded in prison custody till September pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution. The development was confirmed by state Police Public Relation Officer, Alberto Adeyemi. Meantime, a resident, Grace Olofin, told newsmen that peace had returned to the town. She confirmed that security agencies were still on ground keeping watch over the town. It was learnt that one of the victims, Ayo Abejide, in whose head a bullet pellet was lodged  has been transferred to an undisclosed teaching hospital. Also, the councillor for Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele ward, Mr. Segun Kehinde, appealed to the people to return to the town.

Credit: Vanguard

Herdsmen In Cross River Appeal For Grazing Land

The Hausa-Fulani community in Cross River State has appealed to Governor Ben Ayade to allocate a portion of land to herdsmen in the state in order to enable them graze their cattle.

Mr Sani Baba-Gombe, Leader of the association in the state, made the appeal on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar.

According to Baba-Gombe, the land if allocated will put an end to the crisis between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

He said that the land would help the herdsmen to stop encroaching into people’s farmlands in search of food for their animals.

He said that one of the main challenges facing herdsmen in the state was a grazing land, hence the need for the state government to come to their aid.

Baba-Gombe said, “We use to instruct our people to always ask for permission before entering into any land to graze.

“If I were to be a farmer, I won’t be pleased if any cattle come along to destroy my crops.

“If a grazing land is provided, the animals would not stray into farms and this would further prevent any future crisis between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

“All we are appealing for is a grazing land that is different from the farmlands; this would help us to stop encroaching into people’s farmlands in search of food for our cattle.

“We have also sensitised our people to always have a good understanding with their host communities.”

He further said that herdsmen in the state were tired of moving their cattle from one place to the other in search of food for them, hence the appeal for a reserved land for them.

Credit: Punch

Tagging All Herdsmen Criminals Can Split Nigeria – Fulani Group

The Jonde Jam Fulani Youth Association has said there is a conspiracy to tag all Fulani herdsmen across the country as criminals, warning that such a move will affect the unity of the nation.

The National President of the group, Saidu Maikano who spoke to journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, said though there were some criminal elements among the herdsmen, it was unacceptable to tag all herdsmen criminals, especially in the South-South and South Western parts of the country.

Maikano said, “Criminality is not peculiar to one ethnic group. Criminality has no ethnic or religious attachment and, therefore, should not be used as a Fulani identity.”

The group said there is a grand conspiracy to evict Fulani herdsmen from other parts of the country but insisted that such a move would be resisted.

It said, “This country belongs to all of us; there is no part of the country that has accommodated other ethnic groups like the North and when some of these people commit offences in the North, we don’t brand an entire ethnic group as criminals because as civilized people we should only ensure that the criminals are prosecuted and justice is done.”

On the issue of cattle rustling, Maikano said, “Cattle rustling has become a booming business headed by a cartel. Security agents must connect the dots so as to get to the real sponsors.”

Credit: Punch

Many Feared Killed As Herdsmen Invade Enugu Communities

Scores of persons have been reportedly killed in the Fulani herdsmen invasion of Ukpabi,Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State in the early of hours of today. Armed Fulani-herdsmen Natives have fled to neighboring communities of Nkpologu and Uvuru, even as Nkpologu natives fled to Nsukka in fear of attacks. Police Public Relations Officer,Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the incident to Vanguard on the telephone. He said a combined team of police and Army have moved to the area.

Details later…

Source – vanguardngr.com

Protest Rocks Asaba Over Herdsmen Killings

Credit: NationalMirror

Suspected Herdsmen Invade Oyo Farms, Shoot Guard

About 18 persons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have invaded farms in Lagun Village, Lagelu Local Council of Oyo State and shot a chief security guard, Jimmy Aido. They also robbed the residents of the farms, carting away an undisclosed amount of money in the process.

While Aido is currently recuperating at the Iwo Medical Centre in Iwo, Osun State where he was hospitalised, the workers have all deserted the farms for fears of a repeat visit by the attackers.

The gunmen were said to have first invaded ARDIS Farms, a large section of the area that belongs to the former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Ayodel Adigun, ransacked it before moving to other settlements in the neighbouring villages of Adedokun and Alapata, both in the Lagelu local government area.

An eyewitness account had it that the invaders, armed with sophisticated weapons had earlier robbed unsuspecting motorists along the Iwo-Ibadan Road for some hours, before attacking the farms along the axis. They raided each farm and carted away heavy sums of money and food stuffs.

ARDIS Farms, which is situated on about 500 acres of land, began the production of palm kernel and livestock production in 1995. The large expanse has about 35 workers, both residents and non-residents.

The robbery operation was said to have lasted for about seven hours, as the marauders held the terrified farms workers to ransom between 8:00 p.m., Tuesday till the wee hours of 3:00 a.m. of Wednesday.

Narrating his ordeal to reporters at the farm yesterday, one of the workers on duty, Mr. Olanipekun Ogunkolade said the invaders ransacked all the rooms on the farm and carted away an undisclosed sum of money.

He said: “They said where is the money? Where is the money? I brought what I had on me, but they shouted, where is the remaining money? I told them that that was what I had. They now called another worker, whom we all call Baba Ondo. They forced him to take them to his room. They said ‘Oya, let us go to your room.’ They ransacked the place and moved to our rooms and they ransacked the whole place.

“They also went into the manager’s room and asked us about who held the key to the place and we told them he had left for Lagun village. They asked us all sorts of things like cigarettes, Indian hemp, but we told them repeatedly that we didn’t have all those things.

“When we told them we didn’t have the key, they became very angry and took their machetes and cut the mosquito net. They entered the room and they warned us not to come out and threatened that they would gun us down.

“One of the security men went to call the chief security officer, who unknowingly walked into an ambush laid for him. They shot him and left him there for dead and those of us on the farm did not know that they had shot him.

“We later organised a search party for him, with all of us shouting Jimmy! Jimmy!, until we heard him shouting in a certain part of the farm and we met him writhing in pain.

“He was shouting, ‘please help me o, help me.’ We now went to the area and found him lying down and was in great pain. However, the robbers fired some shots in our direction and everybody ran.

“It was around 3:00 a.m., after the invaders had gone that we came back and took Jimmy to the hospital. We first took him to Iyana Offa, but he was rejected, because of the bullet wounds. As we were going the Fulanis had already mounted a road block at Lagun. They intercepted us and they even took away my clothes.’’

On the invaders’ identity, Ogunkolade said, “Yes, I think they are Fulanis, they first put on masks, but later they removed the masks, they even asked me whether I knew them and I said I didn’t know them.

I know that they came in a large number. They were about 18, five entered the rooms with us. Eventually when they left us, they just went to the rooms and ransacked everywhere. They finished our eba, they were even asking for more fish and I said we didn’t have fish anymore.”

The Farm Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Ashava described the incident as one that took them by surprise, explaining that no such case had ever occurred, since the farm started operation in 1995.

He said the invaders must have known that the farm is the biggest and the most prosperous in the area and that this made them concentrate on it.

The owner of the farm, Mr. Ayodele Adigun told journalists that though he could not immediately ascertain the worth of the losses, they would be in the region of millions of naira.

Credit: Guardian

Soldiers Arrests 92 Armed Herdsmen In Abuja

The Guards Brigade, Nigeria Army yesterday intercepted a group of 92 herdsmen while attempting to invade the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with arms and ammunition from different entry points, an officials statement said.

The suspected herdsmen, who claimed to be on legitimate movement to some parts of  the FCT, could not explain what the arms and ammunition found in their possession were meant for.

Captain Bashir Jajira, the Guards Brigade spokesman, who issued the signed statement, said the weapons found in the vehicles used by the herdsmen range from pump action rifles to to knives and assorted charms.

According Captain Jajira, “A group of 36 herdsmen in Diana truck and Toyota with registration number ABJ KUj 994 FX and Niger SUL 541 XA were intercepted and arrested at 177 Guards Battalion by Keffi checkpoints.

In the course of investigation by the soldiers at the checkpoint, the herdsmen claimed to be going to Nasarawa local government area of Nasarawa State.

After thorough checking of the vehicles, the following items were recovered: One pump action; 19 cartridges dane guns; 118 Cartridges Ammo; 28 cutlasses; 3 jack knives; 14 sticks; 7 torchlights; Certificate C of O; and assorted charms and hard drugs.

Also yesterday at about 4pm, the Guards Brigade spokesman said another 56 herdsmen were arrested in Dantata, Gwagwalada general area, carrying 26 cartridges dane guns, 49 cutlasses and knives.

When interrogated, the herdsmen said they were on the lookout for those that stole their cows.

Captain Jajiri said the suspects would be handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.

Credit: Leadership

Herdsmen Sack Benue Community, Take Over Territory

Despite efforts by the Federal and Benue State governments to end clashes between herdsmen and farmers, indications emerged yesterday that Moor, a council ward in Kwande Local Government Area of the state had been sacked by armed herdsmen.
Vanguard learned that the crisis, which dates back to 2013, has left over 100 persons dead, scores sustaining varying degrees of injuries and close to 8,000 displaced.

A source said: “Moor in Kwande Local Government Area is now an occupied territory. Herdsmen have sacked the inhabitants from their ancestral homes and taken over the council

ward.

The crisis started as far back as 2013 and has led to the death of over 100 persons and many others injured.

“All the local government clinics, including 21 primary and secondary schools in the area, have been completely destroyed. The indigenes of the community are refugees in other communities.”

Corroborating the story, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr. Boniface Otese, said the agency had been making concerted efforts to avail the displaced persons necessary relief materials.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said police, military and other sister security agencies were working round the clock to ensure that peace and normalcy returned to every trouble spot in the state.

Source: Vanguard

Police Order Registration Of Herdsmen In Ondo

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison, yesterday said her command could no longer fold its arms and allow the excesses of Fulani herdsmen to go unchecked. Harrison ordered that all herdsmen operating in the state should be registered for identification purposes. She warned that unregistered cattle rearers would not be allowed to operate in the state, saying the head of the Hausa/ Fulani community where such herdsmen foment trouble would be held responsible.

The police commissioner spoke at an interactive session with stakeholders in Akure, the state capital. Stakeholders at the meeting included local farmers, heads of Hausa/ Fulani communities across the state, traditional rulers and leaders of Miyyatti Allah. She said: “Farmers and cattle rearers have been living together in this state before now. We need to come together, especially now that the price of petroleum products has come down; also, we should go back to the farm.

“We cannot do without one another and we must realise we need each other to earn our daily bread. Therefore, let us make efforts to promote peace in the state. “We are going to register every Hausa/Fulani community in the state. The leaders must know the number of herdsmen in their various camps. They must be registered and have identity cards. Henceforth, the leaders will be held responsible for the activities of the herdsmen.

“Nobody can take law into his or her hand. It will catch up with you. We can never compromise law and order. Police cannot fold their arms and allow a breakdown of law and order.”

Harrison urged farmers in the state not to go on any reprisal attack whenever they have issues with the herdsmen, saying “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Credit: NationalMirror

Alleged Killings Of Herdsmen: Group Threatens To Drag IPOB To ICC

The Conference of Minority Tribes of Nigeria (CMTN), has said it will drag the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague following the alleged killings of some Fulani herdsmen in Abia State.

The group which condemned the killings of the northerners, described it as a crime against humanity. Recall that bikerings have followed the allegations by the Department of State Services, DSS, Abuja Headquarters, that members of IPOB killed some Fulani herdsmen in Abia State, and dumped them in gutters.

But this allegation, the separatist group, other groups, as well as the Abia State government, has denied, describing it as a lie from the pit of hell. In separate press statements, they condemned the DSS, accusing the nation’s secrete police of wanting to spark another ethnic pogrom in Nigeria.

However, addressing a press conference on Monday, in Abuja, Secretary General of CMTN, Comrade Samson Babalola said these alleged killings marked a new low in what had been cordial relations between ethnic nationalities in Nigeria that have always accepted each other as family. He said other ethnic groups strongly condemned government forces when it clamped down on IPOB’ protests and had even planned sympathy marches in support of IPOB and its leaders that are being detained.

Credit: vanguardngr

Herdsmen, Agatu Farmers Sign Peace Accord To End Crisis

Sides to the crisis in Agatu, Benue state, which has seen clashes between Idoma resident farmers and Fulani nomadic herdsmen grazing cattle in the community have agreed to immediately cease all hostilities.

A townhall meeting brokered last week between the 1 Idoma Inititative and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has resolved MACBAN will direct immediate withdrawal of all herdsmen from Agatu across the border to Nasarawa state while both sides continue dialogue toward a peaceful resolution.

Youths in Agatu will also desist from patrolling the river bank until “better understanding is sought between the two parties,” both sides announced at a joint press conference in Abuja, days after the townhall meeting.

They are asking federal agriculture ministry to consider grazing reserves and map out primary, secondary and tertiary cattle routes, with possible legislative backing, to avoid future conflicts between nomadic farmers and resident farmers.

Both sides have condemned the proliferation of firearms in either community and pledged support for federal, Benue and Nasarawa government to encourage both sides lay down their arms.

Leadership of both MACBAN and 1 Idoma Initiative signed peace documents at the weekend and will be part of a committee set up by the federal government to investigate the cause of the crisis and find a solution.

The committee will also be mandated to ascertain the level of destruction of lives and properties from both sides, according to the peace agreement.

The 1 Idoma Initiative convener Paul Edeh and MACBAN president Muhammadu Kiruwa, alongside MACBAN secretary Baba Othman Ngelzarma and Christian Enenche, president of Agatu Network forum, signed the document.

The two sides recommend for federal government to begin reconstruction, to rehabilitate and reintegrate people displaced from Agatu and compensate herdsmen who lost cattle in the crisis.

Both groups will make up a joint team to face off against the Super Eagles in a football match to raise awareness for peace and raise funds to pay for reconstruction of property destroyed in the clashes, according to the document.

Credit: dailytrust

15 Feared Dead As Suspected Herdsmen Attack Another Village In Benue

The incursion of suspected herdsmen into parts of Benue State took a worrisome dimension yesterday afternoon when they stormed Tombo in Buruku Local Government Area of the state, killing no fewer than 15 persons in a bloody shootout.

It was learnt that the marauders, who razed parts of the community, took over the deserted villages. According to a source, who spoke on phone from the besieged community, “as I speak with you the people are shooting sporadically and the villagers are fleeing.

“The situation in Tombo at the moment is scary and we are helpless; it is as if we are in a war situation where the mission of the invaders is to occupy and take over our villages.

“It is a pathetic situation because corpses litter the community. Though one cannot give a specific number of casualties, it cannot be less than 15. I know it could be huge because many have been wounded as bullets continue to fly around.

“The people are also burning houses, farms and food stuff as they move into the villages in what looked like a well-coordinated attack.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Moses Yamu, who confirmed that seven persons had been killed, said the incident occurred at about 3p.m. Yamu disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Yakadi, had led a team to the crisis zone to ascertain the cause of the renewed clash.

Credit: Vanguard

Herdsmen Leaving Benue ‘In Their Numbers’– Police Commissioner

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Paul Yakadi, on Tuesday said in Makurdi that the departure of herdsmen from the state marked an end to clashes between them and farmers.

Mr. Yakadi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the herdsmen had started leaving the state on their own volition to end the ongoing crisis with farmers.

He noted that the decision of the herdsmen to leave the state would give peace a chance.

“The herdsmen have started leaving the state for peace to reign. They are leaving in their numbers, but that does not mean the crisis has ended.

“We believe that in no distant time peace will return in the affected local governments and the people will return to their homes again.

“My men are trying their best to end this crisis. Our people too must learn to live with one another and manage disagreement amicably without violence,” he advised.

The commissioner said the Benue command was expecting two additional units of mobile police from Asaba and Abakaliki to quell the farmers/herdsmen crisis.

He said the new units would be deployed to the hinterlands to assist the other officers already on ground to fully end the crisis.

The commissioner appealed to both parties to show restraint and learn to live with one another in peace.

The local government areas engulfed by the clashes included Agatu, Buruku, Logo, Kwande and Makurdi, the state capital.

Credit: NAN

Eight Killed, Houses Razed, Many Injured As Herdsmen Attack More Benue Communities

At least eight persons have been reportedly killed in a fresh attack on Benue communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen who Tuesday invaded parts of Logo local government area of state. The attack is coming on the heels of the Agatu massacre where over 300 person were killed in over one week of sustained offensive on Agatu communities by suspected Fulani mercenaries.

It was learnt that in this latest attack,the marauders invaded four villages including Tse Chia, Tse Nhumbe, Deghkia and Ngorukgan at about 2am, shooting sporadically and burning down houses and huts in the affected communities. According to the source, “it was a coordinated attack on the four villages by the well armed herdsmen who stormed our villages in large number, around 2am and shooting sporadically.

“It was the sound of their gunshot that woke everyone from sleep resulting in a stampede and the gunning down and macheting of about 8 persons though the causality figure maybe more than that because many person are still unaccounted for just as scores sustained serious injuries.

“As I speak with you the affected villages have been deserted and the invaders have taken over and are razing in the ancestral homes of the people who have fled to Anyii, Ugba and Abeda towns, in their thousands, for fear of being killed.

“It’s a pathetic situation, the development has inflicted untold hardship on women, children and the elderly who are trekking long distances in search of safe haven and awaiting the intervention of security operatives.”

When contacted, the Benue state Police spokesman, Assistant Superintendent, ASP, Moses Yamu said he was yet to receive details of the development.

Credit: vanguardngr

Minister of Agric & Rural Development Moves To End Farmers, Herdsmen Clashes

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Devlopment, Audu Ogbeh, has said that the incessant clashes between farmers and cattle herdsmen in the country would be brought to an end in the next two years.

Mr. Ogbeh said on Tuesday that the federal government would create grazing areas in the country where the herdsmen would take care of their cattle.

“We will grow grass in the South to feed the cattle in the North, just as Saudi Arabia did,” he said.

According to the minister, if Saudi Arabia with the largest cattle ranch in the world can grow its grass for the cows in the United States of America, Nigeria should be able to do same.

Mr. Ogbeh said the government would lobby banks to peg interest rate at five per cent instead of the current nine per cent.

He made this known in Ilorin at the launching of the 2nd phase of Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprise (AEHE) programme at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanism, (NCAM).

The minister said nine per cent was too high as interest rate for farmers, adding that for people of Nigeria to feed well, agriculture must grow.

Credit: PremiumTimes

Herdsmen Kill 14 In Fresh Plateau Attack

Suspected Fulani herdsmen , Sunday night,  invaded the Kwata, Zawan area of Jos South local government killing about 14 people, all of them women and children.

The Spokesman of Operation Safe Haven, Op SH, Captain Ikedichi Iweha who confirmed the incident on phone said, “12 women and children were killed in the attack and we are still investigating the incident.”

Vanguard gathered that the attackers stormed the village which is few kilometers away from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS at about8.30pm, holding villagers hostage and shooting sporadically.

But the Op SH spokesman stated, “What happened at Kwata was a reprisal attack. Two Fulani men were killed at Wereng village in Riyom local government area of Friday. We are looking for the village head of the community for questioning.

“12 people who are women and children were killed at Kwata, we got a call at about 8:30pm, our troop got to the scene at about 8:43 but the attackers had already fled but we are investigating the incident.”

Credit: Vanguard

Kwankwaso Advocates Education For Fulani To End Herdsmen, Farmer Clashes

Former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has advocated a quick return of boarding facilities to public schools in the country as well as compulsory education for the Fulani.

He said this will go a long way in putting a stop to the frequent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

He also said the time has come to tell those making succession threats to shut up.

Kwankwaso made the call in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the weekend as a special guest of honour at the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the set of 1965-71 of Government College, Ibadan, where Vitafoam Nigeria Plc. formally donated two sets of pre-fabricated staff quarters to the institution.

Credit: NationalMirror

Fulani Herdsmen Invade Falae’s Farm Again

Barely two weeks after some fulani herdsmen attacked and kidnapped the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Chief Olu Falae, some herdsmen have again destroyed the same  farmland.

Fulani-herdsman

The farm Manager Bruno ?Akhigbodemen conducted newsmen round the farm located at Ilado in Akure North Council area of Ondo State

Over one kilometer plantation of maize was destroyed during the invasion at about 2am on Monday.

?Akhigbodemen said that the herdsmen arrived the farm with their cows and wrecked the havoc despite the horrible experience the workers and their boss had in the last two week sequel to their menace?.

He pointed out that ?effort by the guards to prevent the destruction of the farmland were rebuffed as they were threatened by the herdsmen until their cows grazed to their satisfaction.

The farm Manager said that the former Finance minister has reported the latest destruction to the state Police Command for necessary action.

Vanguard learnt that following the complaint by Chief Falae, some detectives from the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) ?were immediately deployed to the farm on Monday.

They reportedly combed the neighboring villages for the suspects but they were unable to make any arrest.

Report had it that the search still continues as some detectives still keep vigil in the village.

It was gathered that the police authority has invited leaders of the herdsmen in the state who stood surety for those that were arrested and released during the last invasion when over N500, 000 worth of farm products were destroyed.

?Akhigbodemen described the destruction of the farm last week sunday as devastating.

He appealed to the government and the security operatives to act decisively on the menace of the herdsmen.

Chief Falae could not be reached for comment on the destruction of his farmland which is coming after his kidnapped and payment of N5m ransom to free him from his abductors.

It would be recalled that the former Minister for Finance has been having issues with the  fulani herdsmen ?whose cows have on several occasions destroyed his farmland.

He is billed to travel abroad this weekend for medical treatment after his horrifying experience which he described as ” hell”.

The latest destruction according to findings is the fifth within two months.

Before his kidnap barely two weeks ago, two fulani herdsmen were arrested and detained for destroying over N500,000 worth of farm products on the farm.

They were released after some of their leaders wrote an undertaker that they would pay compensation and would not encroach on the farm again.

Barely three weeks after the episode, Chief Falae was abducted by some gun wielding Fulani herdsmen on the same farmland and was released after 72 hours.

No fewer than three policemen have been deployed to his Oba Ile residence since his kidnap last month.

Contacted on the Sunday invasion and destruction of the farm by the Fulani herdsmen, the Police Image Maker Femi Joseph said that he is not aware of the incident.

Joseph was recently posted to the state and made the Command spokesman  last week.

Herdsmen Strike Again In Plateau State, Kill 20

At least 20 people were killed and 30 houses razed in a fresh attack by gunmen who stormed a local community in Plateau State, residents said on Thursday.

Scores of people were also injured in the attack on Tuesday, said locals in Kadunung community, alleging that the attackers came from a nearby Barkin Ladi district of the state.

Plateau State police spokesperson Abu Emmanuel confirmed the incident to Xinhua, but declined to give actual figure of casualties.

Investigators have launched a probe into the attack, the police spokesperson said, adding the details would be made available to the public at due time.

“We received a report that unknown gunmen invaded Kadunung village around 1:00 pm (1200 GMT) and in the process about five people were killed and several houses burnt,” state police spokesman Emmanuel Abuh said.

Read More: dailytimes

Establishment Of Ranches, Solution To Herdsmen, Farmers Frequent Clashes- Ortom

Governor-elect of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has promised to establish ranches in order to prevent the incessant bloodshed occasioned by clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state.

Ortom was of the view that the frequent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, which had claimed many lives and led to destruction of property and cash crops across the country, would be averted with the establishment of ranches nationwide.

Benue has been a flash point of deadly clashes between herdsmen and indigenes of the state especially those in the rural areas, who are mostly farmers.

In March, one of such clashes led to the death of 84 persons in the hands of the herders with properties worth millions, destroyed. But the governor-elect, who spoke at the Japan International Cooperation Agency in Abuja on Thursday, explained that his government would find a lasting solution to the bloodshed in the state, stressing that security of lives and properties was a top priority for him.

Ortom, who is a former Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, sought assistance from JICA on education, agriculture and sanitation, noting that Benue could benefit from Japanese technology and expertise in these areas.

According to him, Benue State needs quick surgical intervention in various sectors, adding that a partnership with JICA will assist his administration to make concrete progress in core areas that can impact on the lives of the citizens.

He said, “I have always said it that ranching is the best way to end the incessant farmers/Fulani herdsmen clashes in different parts of the country. In other parts of the world, you don’t see herdsmen walking on the road with cattle and other animals; but this is still being done in Nigeria, sadly.

“So, my government will invest in ranches because security of lives and properties is a core area for us. We will end the clashes and bloodshed caused by herdsmen/farmers conflicts and make Benue a peace haven for all”.

Creditinformationng

Address Farmers, Herdsmen Conflicts; Council Of State Urges Buhari

The National Council of State on Tuesday in Abuja urged the incoming administration of retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to develop viable solutions to the persistent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the country.

Addressing State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, which was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, Gov. Gabriel Suswam of Benue said already, a document had been prepared by the council to address the menace.

“The issue of the clashes between the herdsmen and the farmers in various parts of the country was also addressed and the way forward.

“Actually, the report that was presented by the Economic Council under my chairmanship as relates to issue of grazing and what the Federal Government needs to do in order to address that will be presented to the incoming president so that he will act on it since there is no time for the present administration to do that.’’

According to him, the prepared document states what needs to be done that will reduce the clashes.

He recalled that a decision was taken at one of the National Economic Council (NEC) meetings on how government could reduce the clashes and gradually domesticate the herdsmen.

“We can domesticate them in ranches. That document stated clearly how the Central Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture ?can act.

Read More: dailypost

Farmers-Herdsmen Conflict: The Jigawa Solution

Farmers-herdsmen clashes are among the most serious security challenges facing Nigeria today, especially the northern part of the county. Tussle for the use of agricultural land is becoming intense and more prevalent. It is the most predominant resource-use conflict in Nigeria. Clashes between farmers and herdsmen over land are as old as trade in Nigeria.
 
Reports of bloody clashes between farmers and herdsmen have become a recurrent problem that most Nigerians are concerned about, because its ripples affect everyone in the country. Apart from being a major cause of food shortages and food price increase, thousands of lives are frequently lost; many farmlands and cattle are lost as a result of these clashes.
 
The Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido has provided a permanent, feasible and win-win solution.  In most parts of Jigawa state, the government has established grazing reserves and water pumping windmills for herdsmen to freely nosh their herds. The grazing land is also watered frequently by the water pumping windmills for grasses to grow even during dry seasons. On the other hand, the farmers are provided with large expanse of farmland to cultivate crops. One beautiful thing about some of the farmlands is that they have dual function- they have on them facilities for dry season farming.
 
Water pumping windmills, cattle routes, demarcated grazing reserves and farm land are not new in Nigeria, but this writer was amazed with the stretch of the windmills, grazing reserves and farmlands. Definitely, Governor Sule Lamido must have used the physics theory of ‘series connection’. Throughout Jigawa state, water pumping windmills, cattle routes, demarcated grazing reserves and farmlands are established at strategic and well-thought locations.
 
Apart from promoting co-existence and harmony between farmers and herdsmen, instead of the usual conflict, a major benefit of this Governor Lamido’s initiative is that it has enhanced local community security, safety and development. Furthermore, another beautiful result of the project is, most of the herdsmen do not unnecessarily wander around in search of pasture and water because the windmills provide drinking water for their own use as well as for large cattle stocks. The multi-bladed wind pumps constantly pump water which continually irrigates the large area of the land on which lush grasses grow even during dry seasons. And finally, the herdsmen feel ownership of the land.
 
Farmers-herdsmen clashes in Nigeria are a problem affecting the entire Nigerian society. However, Governor Lamido has brought a new dimension to solving the problem. Therefore states and the federal governments should model this beautiful solution. Modeling this solution will be very easy because water pumping windmills are economical and environmentally friendly and Nigeria has demarcated grazing reserves, marked cattle routes and large farming areas.
Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com