FG to host peace talks between Farmers and Fulani herdsmen

The federal government of Nigeria is making moves to find a lasting solution to the crisis between farmers and herders in the country. Peace talks are being planned for the farmers and herders to dialogue

Constant clashes between farmers and herders has resulted to loss of lives

the federal government to address the constant clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the country. According to a statement by Osaigbove Ehisienmen, the press secretary to the minister of interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, yesterday, March 23, the government will organise a town hall meeting between both groups. Nigeria’s minister of interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau

Ehisienmen statement stated that the dialogue would involve stakeholders from various umbrella associations of herders, farmers, state governments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Also billed to attend are the civil society groups, journalists, government agencies, professional bodies and humanitarian institutions.

The statement further revealed that the proposed dialogue would provide opportunities for various stakeholders to share views and provide honest answers to the various questions that might arise during their deliberations Part of the statement read: ”Following the disturbing trend of avoidable clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country, the Federal Government is finalising plans to call for a town hall dialogue.

”The dialogue will involve critical stakeholders at a date to be announced.” The government latest step is not unconnected to the strings of attack on innocent citizens by Fulani herdsmen.

In a related development, former Senate president, Senator David Mark, has urged the people of Benue state to refrain from any form of reprisal attack on herdsmen in any part of Benue south district to prevent an escalation of the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and Agatu farmers.

Meanwhile, two prominent traditional rulers in the country, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe have recommended a ban to be placed on the activities of night grazing by Fulani herdsmen in Ekiti state. The recommendation was provided at a meeting in the Ewi’s palace in Ado Ekiti.

It was agreed at the meeting that night grazing should be stopped and movement of cattle should be between 6am and 6pm daily.