ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has called for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders to enhance food security and sustainable development in the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock and Inter-ethnic Relations, Chief Jeffrey Azagba, made the appeal during a one-day conference themed “Promoting Harmonious Relationships Between Farmers and Herders for Sustainable Development in Delta State” at Government House, Asaba, on Friday.
Azagba noted that Delta State, with its fertile agricultural land and vast water resources, has the potential to be a leading producer of food and economic prosperity. However, he lamented that frequent conflicts between farmers and herders pose a major setback to this goal.
“We have gathered here today at a time when our nation is grappling with the challenges of food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability,” he said. “These conflicts, often fueled by competition for land, water, and resources, can have devastating consequences, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of communities.”
He emphasized that farmers and herders should not be seen as adversaries but as partners in ensuring food security and sustainable development. He proposed the establishment of a Farmers-Herders Dialogue Forum to facilitate regular engagement between both groups and foster mutual understanding.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, condemned the activities of armed herdsmen and called for the strict enforcement of anti-grazing laws alongside the implementation of ranching. He advocated for the disarmament of all armed herders, the arrest of underage herders, and the restructuring of Operation Delta Sweep to crack down on criminal elements.
Uzor further recommended the establishment of task forces to monitor entry points into the state, profile herders, and identify hideouts used by criminal elements within their ranks. He called for peaceful coexistence between genuine herders and host communities to strengthen social harmony in the state.
Delivering a paper at the event, Professor Daniel Nte Ngboaraji stressed the need to differentiate between legitimate herders and criminal elements, urging security agencies to take decisive action against offenders. He advised herders to refrain from activities that could endanger peace while reminding host communities to operate within the bounds of the law.
The conference was attended by representatives of the State Commissioner of Police, Department of State Services, Presidents-General of various kingdoms and communities, leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, and other key stakeholders.
