…Reaffirms corps commitment to safety of farmers ,herders, food infrastructure
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The Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSDC Augustine Padonu has disclosed that the corps had settled 603 disputes between farmers and herders from January to June this year just as he
reaffirmed the commitment of the corps to prioritize the safety of farmers, agricultural assets, and critical food infrastructure.
He made this known while delivering his keynote address at the agriculture stakeholder seminar organised by the Agro-Ranger Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Ibadan.
The NSDC commandant while noting that agriculture as a vital sector for food security is being confronted with persistent clashes between farmers and herders expressed the corps’ mandate to serve with integrity, discipline, and professionalism.
” NSCDC, through the establishment of the Agro-Rangers Unit, has remained steadfast in its commitment to bridging the gap between security and agriculture.
“The Agro-Rangers are specially trained to provide protection to farming communities, mediate in conflict situations, and ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists. In Oyo State, our Agro-Rangers have successfully intervened in several potential flashpoints and are working tirelessly to build trust between stakeholders.
“Our efforts, however, must be collaborative. Security is a shared responsibility. That is why today’s seminar brings together policy-makers, farmers’ associations, herders, security operatives, academic experts, traditional rulers, and community-based organisations to forge a united front.
” Together, we can develop practical, context-driven strategies to mitigate these conflicts and protect our food systems.
” We remain resolute in our mandate to defend the defenceless and serve with integrity, discipline, and professionalism”, he concluded.
In a goodwill message, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye reminded farmers that the anti-grazing law, environmental law among others exist in Oyo state to regulate and forestall peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers.
Barrister Olasunkanmi said the state would continue to train farmers on the best way to grow grasses to feed their cows.
Speaking on the topic:Checkmating the Menace of Food Insecurity and Cattle Rustling;The Active Roles of the Agro Rangers Squad, Dr Atunwa Sunday of the department of General Studies, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic , Eruwa, advocated for the establishment of mobile court by the federal government for quick prosecution of erring farmers and herders
Dr Atunwa also urged government to strengthen the Agro Rangers Squad by providing necessary equipment to the officers to perform optimally.
Earlier, the Head of Unit, Agro Rangers, Alone Isaac said the seminar was organised to bring together stakeholders to forge partnerships and explore sustainable solutions between farmers and herders
Some of the stakeholders at the seminar including ,Alhaji Yakub Bello, Abubakar Bani and Ade Odebunmi suggested the establishment of ranches, grazing routes and de-arming of both herders and farmers as way out of farmers/herders clashes in the country
It will be recalled that the Agro Rangers Unit of the NSCDC was established in 2016 with the mandate to protect farmlands and agricultural investments,safeguard farmers and agro workers, mediate and prevent violent conflicts, and support peaceful coexistence in agrarian communities.
