“Senate to Convene National Summit on Farmer-Herder Conflict Amid Escalating Violence”
The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive steps to address the escalating farmer-herder conflict by resolving to establish an ad hoc committee tasked with organizing a national summit on the matter. This resolution came after Isah Jibrin, a senator representing Kogi State, brought forward a motion highlighting the urgent need for the rehabilitation of communities ravaged by recent attacks in Omala, Kogi State.
Jibrin emphasized that these communities have suffered recurring attacks by gunmen, resulting in fatalities, destruction of property, and displacement of residents. He recounted the devastating events of April 5, when gunmen invaded several communities, leaving 21 innocent residents dead and causing extensive damage to farmlands and property. He also highlighted subsequent attacks, including one on April 30 in Ajokpachi Odo, which claimed the lives of three individuals and further exacerbated the dire situation in the region.
The senator underscored the profound impact of these attacks, including the displacement of over 30,000 inhabitants and the destruction of essential infrastructure such as schools and health centers. He lamented the economic devastation inflicted on the affected communities, with markets and businesses destroyed, exacerbating economic hardship and insecurity.
In response to the motion, several senators expressed their concerns about the persistent farmer-herder conflict and called for decisive action to address its root causes. Victor Umeh emphasized the need for measures to curb attacks on communities and advocated for the implementation of policies promoting ranching over open grazing. Similarly, Adams Oshiomhole proposed the establishment of an ad hoc committee to organize a public hearing aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict.
Titus Zam echoed these sentiments, urging the Senate to enact legislation prohibiting open grazing and promoting cattle ranching as a sustainable alternative. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the underlying issues fueling the conflict and called for concerted efforts to prevent further bloodshed.
In solidarity with the victims of the violence, the Senate observed a minute of silence for those who lost their lives in the affected communities. The decision to convene a national summit reflects the Senate’s commitment to addressing the farmer-herder conflict and fostering peace and stability in the country.