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Tag: Clashes

  • NBC to demarcate Delta boundaries to avert clashes – DG

    NBC to demarcate Delta boundaries to avert clashes – DG

    The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says, that to avert clashes, it will expedite action in the definition and demarcation of Delta boundaries and its neighbouring states.

    The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, gave the assurance when he received a delegation from Delta, in Abuja on Thursday.

    The delegation was led by the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Delta Boundary Committee, Mr Monday Onyeme.

    Adaji explained that the decision to define and demarcate the boundaries was to curb further boundary disputes between the state and its neighbours.

    He commended Onyeme for taking steps to prevent likely provocation between the state and its neighbouring states.

    According to the DG, Delta is one of the few states that have a well-established State Boundary Committee, which has contributed significantly to the cordial working relationship between the state and NBC.

    He, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the boundary dispute between Delta and Ondo, which has continued to linger, despite the commission’s technical and political approach to restore lasting peace between the two states.

    “It is usually not uncommon to see two sister states who used to be one disagree over boundary lines after the creation of a new state.

    “I commended Delta government for its commitment and proactive actions to tackle the lingering boundary dispute.

    “The efforts are clear indications of the government’s determination to prioritise the state’s interests and avoid disruptions to its developmental agenda.

    “This, in the long run, will ensure territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence between her and her neighbours,” he said.

    In his remarks, Onyeme explained that the visit was predicated on the need for the state government to be able to deliver socio-economic development to its people.

    He said that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori was committed to inclusive economic growth, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, peace, and security.

  • Miyetti Allah lists conditions to end incessant clashes between farmers, herders

    Miyetti Allah lists conditions to end incessant clashes between farmers, herders

    The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria MACBAN, in the Southeast, says it will support any policy by the government that seeks to stop the clashes between host communities and the herdsmen.

    Miyetti Allah leader was reacting to the decision of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), on the need for the country to transit into modern systems of animal husbandry that would replace open, night and underage grazing across the country.

    The group maintains that the majority of its members have no idea of mechanized grazing while calling on the government to organize training on that for the cattle breeders.

    Speaking with reporters Saturday in Awka, Anambra State, the Chairman of the Association in the Southeast, Alhaji Gidado Sidikki, said about 89 percent of herders had no such knowledge.

    “The government should train us so that we can plan with the modern system of animal husbandry because the majority of us have no knowledge of Mechanized Farming”

    He disclosed that the association in the southeast zone was in support of any government policy that would put to an end, the continued clashes between Fulani herders and farmers in the country. So long the policy would be of benefit to both parties.

    He noted that the National leadership of MACBAN, had banned night grazing, four years ago.

    He, however, commended the southeast Governors for their continued support to the association in the zone.

    Sidikki, therefore urged farmers and host communities where his people were residing to always report any disagreement to the security or other relevant authorities for prompt action to avoid the destruction of lives and property.

    The association listed conditions to be followed by the government to stop incessant clashes between its members and farmers in the country.

    According to Siddiki, “the governors’ position is a welcome development, but for the policy to work as expected, the following provisions must be in place for peace and equity.

    “They are training and re-training of Fulani herdsmen on Mechanized Grazing, provision of land for Ranching in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT and a continue Town Hall Meetings between Government, Farmers and the Herders in the affected areas.

    “I believe with all these, it will bring to an end, the lingering crisis between the farmers and herder in the country, Siddiki added.

     

  • Sad! Five killed in cult clashes in Edo

    Sad! Five killed in cult clashes in Edo

    No fewer than five persons have been killed in Edo State in the last two days, as a result clashes involving rival cult groups, especially Eiye and Aye.

    TheNewsGuru gathered that on Thursday in Benin, some of the notorious cult leaders were among the 1,993 inmates that escaped on October 19 from the Maximum Correctional Centre (White House) on Sapele Road, and Oko Medium Correctional Centre on Airport Road, both in Benin, the state capital.

    The latest cult clashes were more at Upper Sokponba, Ogida and New Benin areas of Benin.

    It was observed on Thursday, while moving round Benin, that some fully-armed cultists in Upper Sokponba were brandishing AK-47 rifles, machetes, axes and other dangerous weapons, and shooting into the air, while harassing motorists and pedestrians.

    Two persons were shot dead on Thursday in Idogbo, Benin.

    A third victim was killed near Y-Junction in the Sokponba area of the state capital.

    Two others were shot dead near Ogida Police Barracks in Benin.

    On Wednesday, some gunmen took over Siluko Road, near Ogida Police Barracks, Benin, brandishing guns, and forcing pedestrians to raise their hands, with the hoodlums having a field day, without any challenge from security operatives.

     

  • Nigeria loses $14b annually to farmers, herders clashes – Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said Nigeria loses $14 billion yearly to the lingering farmer-herdsmen clashes.
    Fayemi spoke on Thursday while delivering a paper, titled: Farmer-Herder Conflicts in Nigeria: Implications for National Security, at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Executive Management Course in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
    The governor called for the enactment of appropriate states and Federal legislative frameworks and strategies to resolve farmer-herder conflicts and the attendant loss of lives and property.
    He also canvassed the need for effective and strategic communications of government policies on this and other national issues to ensure that the right messaging reaches the citizenry and save the country from avoidable crises.
    Fayemi said the extent of the challenge requires that government moves to unpack what has become a major threat to peaceful coexistence and food security in the country.
    The governor noted that the fatalities recorded from the farmer-herder clashes outnumber those of the devastating insurgency in the Northeast and led to the loss of more lives in Nigeria than in the rest of West Africa.
    Dr Fayemi, who called for the enactment of state and Federal laws to foster peaceful coexistence, despite the nation’s diversity, added that such legislations on regulating the conduct of farmers and herders must have a human face and must harness the country’s economic and socio-cultural potentials.
    This is also in addition to ensuring that law breakers do not escape punishment, the governor said.
    According to him, political leaders must bear in mind socio-cultural and political sensitivities while communicating policies with the citizenry.
    This, Fayemi said, would make them avoid the risk of leaving those policies to faulty interpretations and susceptible to politicisation.
    The lecture was attended by participants from the security and para-military agencies attending the Executive Intelligence Management Course at the institute.
    The governor posited that beyond Nigeria, farmers-herders conflict has also become a threat to sub-regional and continental peace and stability for its devastating effects on human fatalities, livelihoods and the economy.
    Other devastating effects, according to him, include banditry, cattle rustling, proliferation of small arms and light weapons as well as extreme violence.
    He said: “As political and policymakers, we must be humble enough to admit that the messaging around the farmer-herder crisis, in terms of being mindful of sensitivities and the use of polarising terminologies and concepts, leaves room for improvement.
    “From the evolution of the discourse on major issues, such as the anti-grazing laws, which have been passed into law in Ekiti, Benue and Taraba states, to colonies, the Ruga settlement phenomenon, the ranching options, we have not done enough to properly manage the various narratives or interpretations that emerged from this problem.”

  • Farmers, herders’ clashes not caused by ethnicity, religion — Lai Mohammed

    Farmers, herders’ clashes not caused by ethnicity, religion — Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has blamed the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen on environmental, rather than ethnic or religious issues, while assuring of the Federal Government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the clashes.

    The Minister, who stated this at a mini town hall meeting which he organised for the staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin, Germany, and a cross-section of Nigerians residing in the European country on Friday, said that contrary to the “narrative being pushed in certain quarters that gives ethnic and religious coloration to the clashes”, they were caused by purely environmental issues.

    Mohammed said whereas Nigeria’s population in 1963 was about 48 million, it is now about 180 million, with the country’s land mass remaining the same, meaning there are more people per square kilometre and raising the chances of clashes over dwindling resources.

    He also said that Lake Chad that used to provide water and other resources to more than 30 million people in four countries, including Nigeria, in the early 1960s has shrunk by about 90%, from 25,000 square kilometres to 2,500 square kilometres, thus forcing those affected to move south in search of resources.

    ”These and other reasons, like desertification, have altered the resource landscape, heightened competition for dwindling resources and raised the possibility of clashes between farmers and herders,” the Minister said, noting that the establishment of ranches is one sure way of reducing such clashes.

    He, however, said that in resolving the crisis, both the farmers and the herders must be willing to shift slightly from their positions which are grounded in their way of life over centuries.

    The minister who is in Berlin to attend a meeting of African Tourism Ministers on the sidelines of the International Travel Trade Fair in the German capital, said contrary to the “fake news being peddled in the social media by naysayers”, President Muhammadu Buhari is putting Nigeria back on its feet.

    ”The naysayers have taken to the Social Media to distort the situation in Nigeria. They are spending huge amounts of money to spread fake news about Nigeria, hoping it will override the string of achievements by the Administration. That is why Nigerians at home and abroad must ensure they have access to authentic information. One way is to download the FGNiAPP on their hand-held devices. It is free!

    ”The economy is on a steady growth, as attested to be the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics: The economy attracted $12.2 billion in foreign investments in 2017, up from $5.38 billion in 2016. That represents 138% increase; The economy further consolidated its recovery from recession with GDP growing by 1.92% in Q4 2017, compared to 1.40% in Q3 2017 and a contraction of -1.73% in Q4 2016; This means the economy ended 2017 with a growth of 0.82% compared to a contraction of -1.58% in 2016.

    ”GDP Growth in Q4 2017 was driven by growth in crop production, crude production and natural gas, metal ores, construction, transportation and storage, trade, electricity and gas production, indicating that the Administration’s diversification effort is working,” he said

    For his part, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tuggar, commended the patriotism and dedication of the Nigerians in Diaspora, especially those in Germany.

    ”There is a burgeoning Nigerian community (in Germany) committed to the prosperity of Nigeria. They are well in tune with the policies of (the Nigerian) government and they are accomplished men and women and worthy ambassadors,” he said.

    In their comments, some leaders of the Nigerian diaspora commended the government for the progress being made in lifting up the country and stressed the need to step up efforts to ensure the security of life and property in order to attract more foreign investors to the country.

     

  • Herdsmen/farmers clashes: Why I didn’t rush to Taraba, Benue, other troubled states – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on explained why he didn’t rush to some troubled states despite the criticisms.

    The president reiterated that he has his way of monitoring developments instead of “rushing” to crises spots and “making noise”.

    Buhari spoke in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, during his visit to assess the situation in the state and condole with victims of violence.

    No fewer than 200 people are believed to have been killed in communal disputes, herders/farmers clashes and others in the state.

    Many of the dead were buried in mass graves. Many are injured and hospitalised. Others have been forced out of their homes.

    The local government areas worst- hit by the herdsmen/farmers crisis are: Lau, Ibi, Gassol, Bali, Wukari, Takum and Sardauna where scores were killed in renewed violence at the weekend.

    Leaders of the violence-hit communities were at the Government House yesterday to meet with the President, who urged all Nigerians to embrace peace and live together in harmony so that “there could be meaningful development and not destruction”.

    “I am here (Taraba) to meet with the leadership of the state, to offer my condolences to those who lost loved ones and properties in violence.

    “People, sometimes expect me to rush out to the fields, to go and make noise.

    “But I have my ways of gathering intelligence. I get to know what is happening across the country without necessarily going to those areas.

    “I will be going to Benue and Zamfara after I return from Ghana to also condole with the people,” Buhari said.

    He urged traditional rulers in the state to step up activities in their various chiefdoms to foster peaceful coexistence among their subjects and to remain vigilant at all times.

    The President was accompanied by Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Aisha Alhassan , Minister of Defence Manir Dan Ali; Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed, some Service Chiefs and National Assembly members from the state.

    The delegation was received by Governor Darius Ishaku and state’s lawmakers, led by the speaker.

    President Buhari said he chose to visit Taraba first, before Benue and Zamfara states, adding that there were more killings in Taraba, Benue and Zamfara states.

    Ishaku said the state was delighted to welcome the President in its trying time.

    The governor noted that Taraba State was a “mini Nigeria”, with its over 80 ethnic groups and three religions to handle. “It is not easy to always balance things up here.”

    Ishaku said the state was contending with a different breed of herdsmen who are militias moving around with AK 47 rifles to remove anything in their way, unlike the known herdsmen who had cohabited with the people for decades without skirmishes.

    “The problem is never between the locals. The local Fulani and other tribes blend without issues.

    “We have a new breed and specie of herdsmen militias who move around with sophisticated weapons; they are poised to remove anything in their track.

    “They must be arrested now before it degenerates to something we can not contend with,” Ishaku said.

    Opinion leaders from the warring ethnic groups insisted that justice and fairness must be seen to be taking their course and the rule of law allowed to prevail for peace to return.

    The President is also expected to visit Yoe State where 110 girls were kidnapped on February 19 and Rivers State where many people were killed in New Year’s Day attack perpetrated by the late Don Wayne.

    In a statement, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina said the President had urged the Armed Forces and other security agencies to compile comprehensive reports on the various incidents.

    “Having received and studied the reports, the President has decided to undertake an on the spot assessment of the various occurrences and to meet and console the communities affected.

    Adesina said: “From today, March 5, he will visit Taraba, and subsequently Benue, Yobe, Zamfara and Rivers states.

    “President Buhari has been receiving daily briefings, and has been in constant touch with the governors, and has been updated with situation reports.”

    The President has also called on all Nigerians, especially those in the affected areas, to cooperate fully with the security agencies to enable them curb the spate of crimes, bring those responsible to justice and prevent furthe

  • How we’re tackling herders/farmers clashes in Benue, Taraba, others – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday unveiled the strategies by the Federal Government in tackling the herdsmen/ farmers clashes in Benue, Taraba and other states.

    According to statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity Laolu Akande, the government has been deploying mobile police forces, army and Air Force to troubled areas and Nigerian Army formations and units in Benue State.

    Osinbajo said “The approach of the government has been to deploy mobile police forces to troubled areas and also both the army and Air Force, the Nigerian Army formations and units in Benue State for example, especially 72 Special Forces Battalion, have consistently maintained Forward Operating Bases at the flash areas covering Guma, Logo, Katsina-Ala and Agatu Local Government Areas.

    “The operation has the generic name Operation MESA, but it is nicknamed Operation ZENDA in Benue State. The Army had within the last few days scaled up the size of troops and equipment in Agatu, Guma, Katsina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State.

    “The Army also recently deployed troops at Awe and Tunga Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, in order to monitor and block the gaps that were presumed to be used as staging points by armed herdsmen to attack communities in Benue State.

    “Additionally, troops of 93 Battalion, Takum in Taraba State, also occupy blocking positions as well as maintain constant liaison with troops in Benue State.

    “Furthermore, the command and control structure of the Army formations and units in Benue and contiguous states have been reorganized.

    “Accordingly, more troops were deployed and the Commander 707 Special Forces Brigade was reassigned to Taraba State for effective command and control of troops operating in the entire Benue/Taraba general area. And next week, the Nigerian Army will flag-off Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA, to checkmate the activities of armed bandits and militias in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and environs.”

  • Benue massacre: Ortom appears before senate over herdsmen, farmers clashes

    Governor Samuel Ortom is currently meeting with the Senate in the ongoing probe by the upper chamber of the National Assembly into the killings by herdsmen in Benue State.

    The governor is appearing before the joint Senate Committee on Police Affairs; and National Security and Intelligence, especially on his indictment by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, over his alleged culpability in the security crisis in the state.

    The meeting is ongoing behind closed doors.

     

    Details later…

  • Farmers/herdsmen clashes: Osinbajo, nine governors form committee to tackle menace

    As part of deliberate attempts to end the farmers/herdsmen incessant clashes that have cost several lose of lives and properties across the country, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and nine state governors have constituted a committee with the mandate to end the killings.

    The Vice President is chairman of the committee.

    This was one of the decisions reached at a meeting of the National Economic Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.

    The Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting presided over Osinbajo.

    Ganduje named members of the committee to include governors of Kaduna, Zamfara, Taraba, Benue, Adamawa, Edo, Plateau, Oyo, and Ebonyi states.

    The governor said the committee would collaborate with the Federal Government in addressing impunity regarding killings and violence.

     

    Details later…

     

  • 2019: Politicians using herdsmen/farmers’ clashes for selfish gains – Miyetti Allah

    The National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a Fulani socio-cultural Association, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Badejo on Wednesday in Kano said politicians are using the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country for their selfish gains ahead of the 2019 elections.

    Badejo, who spoke to reporters in Kano, said the worrisome trend, over the rampant killings has now taken a frightening dimension in which the politicians are cashing in on to create a division in the minds of the people by branding the Fulani herdsmen as ‘killers’.

    According to him: ”politicians are interfering in the Fulani herdsmen/ farmers crisis. They are trying to create a division, as well as divide the minds of the people. Politicians are punishing farmers, including Fulani cattle herdsmen because they want to use the face-off as a basis for 2019 politics.”

    The national president of the association insisted that the Fulanis arepeace-lovingg people, who have a unique identity, different from other races, so for people to now label Fulani, of carrying AK 47 Assault rifles to kill is totally false, insisting that Fulani worldwide are only engaged in cattle rearing and nothing else.

    ”They plan to create 5,000 hectares of land to be used as cattle colonies in some states. It is a welcome idea, but if the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom had agreed to create the proposed cattle colonies, rather than the grazing law he enacted, it would not have degenerated the current controversy but address the face-off.

    ”But this Ortom’s law is by no means favourable to the Fulani, that is why are vehemently opposed to it. So, the proposed colony will serve as an enduring solution to the lingering Fulani herdsmen/farmers crisis. And as such, we are in support of the Federal Government’s agenda to create the colonies.”

    The Miyetti Allah boss, therefore, called on the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to seize the opportunity of his relocation to Benue State to establish the truth, as to who is attacking who and at the close of the day, prosecute, whoever is found guilty, insisting that the Fulani have been and are still peace-loving people.

    However, he dismissed as false, insinuations that the Federal Government is grabbing the land to hand it over to the Fulani, saying: ”Only desperate politicians are opposed to the creation of cattle colonies for Fulani herdsmen. These issues have been politicized.”

    In addition, he stated that anyone armed with AK 47 Assault rifle cannot be rearing cows, adding that such a person must be an armed robber from somewhere, disguising as a Fulani Herdsman and carrying weapons, as well as wearing Fulani attire to deceive the public.

    To this end, he said he is surprised about the rampant attacks occurring between farmers, communities and Fulani cattle herdsmen in Plateau and adjoining states, adding that if any Fulani man invades somebody’s farm and steal, let the Fulani man be arrested and called to order rather than not only politicizing it but blowing it out of proportion.