The Federal Government is to build ranches and grazing reserves to end incessant clashes between cattle rearers and farmers, it was learnt yesterday.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal gave the hint yesterday when he received a delegation of the Tabital Pulako Njode Jam Foundation, led by its Chairman, Abdul Bali, in Abuja.
A statement by the Press Director in the Office of the SGF, Bolaji Adebiyi, noted that nomads from outside Nigeria have infiltrated the country, and are perpetuating most of the crimes.
He said the government would enlighten Fulani herdsmen on ways to make cattle rearing more profitable by utilising the ranches, as well as reap other social and political benefits such settlements offer.
The foundation, he said, was set up to look into clashes between herdsmen and farmers.
“The foundation, in its submissions, is also convinced that 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 government to bring the situation under control,” the statement said. The SGF has also assured the people that government agencies responsible for rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were not discriminating in the provision of relief materials. According to him, relief items were distributed with equity and fairness and based on severity of victims’ hardship.
Lawal made the clarification when he received another group, the Lardin Gabas Elders’ Forum, led by Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Captain Paul Tahir.
He said rehabilitation in the Northeast, besides provision of food items, tents and building materials, included reconstruction of schools, hospitals, police stations and barracks.
To streamline the rehabilitation activities and accelerate the return to normal life, Lawal hinted that a Presidential Committee on Northeast Initiative (PCNI) will be inaugurated.
The Lardin Gabas Elders’ Forum was established as a reaction to the devastation of the Boko Haram insurgency on the Northeast.
The forum, according to the delegation, will work with the Federal Government to bring succour to victims.
Source: The Nation
