The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Osun State Command held a stakeholder sensitization programme on Tuesday, 7th November, 2017 in order to create awareness on the activities of herdsmen who might be transversing the length and breadth of the State in search of water and folders for their animals as the dry season approaches thereby destroying farmland along their path.
The State Commandant, Mr Aboluwoye Akinwande while welcoming stakeholders thanked them for past successes recorded and their willingness to cooperate with the Agro-Ranger Unit of the Corps by making information available to the Unit as at when due.
He mentioned that this approach has helped in no small measures to nipping in the bud crisis between farmers and herdsmen in the State.
He appealed to the participants to be peaceful and that the coexistence is to foster strength and unity among the various ethnic groups.
The head of the Unit, Assistant Commandant R. O. Yaqee urged stakeholders to embrace peaceful dialogue in resolving disagreements instead of resulting to violence.
According to him, neither party can live in isolation stressing that “everyone needs the other for progress to be achieved in any community even the country as a whole.”
Amiloaded gather that the Assistant Commandant said that over thirty-five cases have been resolved since the establishment of the Unit while several of such issues have been nipped in the bud.
He commended the Osun State Government for the setting up of Peace Committee and the effort of the Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Mudashiru Toogun.
The stakeholders’ meeting is to seek cooperation among the participants, proffer ways of tackling the menace of farmers/herdsmen crisis as we approach the dry season.
He called on all groups and association to be vigilant and give urgent and useful information to the Corps.
He promised absolute assistance to ensuring peaceful coexistence.
One of the farmers, in his remarks said, “it is not the resident Fulanis that are usually the problem but the nomads usually known as Bororo, most of whom are involved in cattle rustling pilfering activities.”
Notable cases in the State were mentioned, for instance, cattle are made to graze cashew plantation and eat up the nuts.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria through their representative commended NSCDC for performing their mandate responsibly and dutifully.
He also applauded the effort of the Corps in ensuring peace among the stakeholders.
Both parties enumerated some cogent points to maintain peace and order.
The representative of the Commissioner for special duties, Chief P. Adetoyese Adeniyin urged stakeholders to be their brother’s keeper.
Participants were drawn from various Local Government Areas of the State. Present at the programme are :the representative of the chairman of Osun Farmers Association of Nigeria, Pastor M.A.K. Omole, Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Abdullahi Halilu, the Seriki Fulani in Osun State, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Yusuf, Chairmen of Rice Growers Association of Nigeria, Alhahi S.A.Salawu, Cassava Growers Association of Nigeria.
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