The National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer (NC/CEO), NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu stated this at the presentation of the report of research on the frequent conflict between cattle herdsmen and farmers in North Central States of Benue and Nasarawa today in Abuja.
Princess Akobundu said that in order to resolve the conflicts between the herdsmen and farmers, the NEPAD undertook a study to find lasting solutions to the crisis for peace and security in the country.
The NC/CEO further stated that it is obligatory for NEPAD Nigeria to have an insight into the causes of the problem and its effect in the socio-economic life of the people.
She noted that the factors responsible for the conflicts to include demographic changes, climate changes, inadequate grazing land to mention but a few.
Akobundu also explained that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari is doing all it takes to arrest these conflicts by dialoguing with the affected groups through relevant stakeholders.
The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Alhaji Abdulkarim Ahmed Ibrahim earlier in his welcome address stated that it is worthy to note that addressing the issue of cattle grazing in livestock production has posed serious problems to our country Nigeria resulting in several incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen, lost of lives and property.
Abdulkarim further explained that the meeting is very crucial because it will provide the government and states with relevant information to
intensify efforts at bringing sanity to our land, safeguard the nation and protect the lives and properties of her citizenry.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Herders Association Awa Local Government Area, Benue State, Mr. Musa Mati Muhammed, stated that the major factors causing the conflicts between the herdsmen and farmers in Benue and Nassarawa States is based on climate conditions, obstruction of traditional migration routes, harassment of herdsmen by host communities, disregard for local/traditional authorities, contamination of water sources by cattle, destruction of crops/farmlands by the cattle.
The Farmer’s representative from Benue State, Hon. Kaha Emmanuel pointed out that the conflicts between the herdsmen and farmers in both Benue and Nassarawa States is majorly the deliberate act by herdsmen who allow children to graze their cattle freely in their farmlands thereby destroying their crops, properties, houses and other means of livelihood.
Benjamin Edeaghe (Mr) SIO 6th December, 2018.