Nigeria’s Sokoto State Moves to Stem Farmer-herder Clashes As Banditry Looms Large
A 28-member committee led by the state Commissioner for Animals and Fisheries Development, Alhaji Aliyu Tureta was Wednesday inaugurated by the State governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu to revive measures aimed at addressing the recurring farmer-herder clashes in the state.
It has representatives from various sectors such as security agencies, traditional rulers, farmers and herders.
Established in 1990 with very few results, the committee will now function under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).
Commissioner Tureta explained that the measure was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among the stakeholders and ensuring a productive working relationship between the beneficiaries to bring to an end the frequent communal clashes between farmers and herders in some parts of our state.
One of its tasks is enlighten the farmers and herders to recognize the complimentary role each play adding that “while herders provide meat and milk, farmers supply food for livestock. Therefore, bringing them together is essential for the mutual development of all parties involved,” he stressed.
Also speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), commended the ministry and the L-PRES Project for reviving the committee.
Sultan Abubakar emphasised the importance of harmonious cooperation between farmers and herders.