The Fulani-Bororo community in Ayedire Local Government areas of Osun State, and its environs, has reiterated its readiness to cooperate with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to achieve a peaceful co-existence between farmers and herders in the south west state.
The assurance was given during a one-day workshop in preparation for the Year 2022 International Civil Defence Day.
Speaking on the theme of the workshop: “Civil Defence and Management of Displaced in the Face of Disaster and Crisis; Role of Volunteers and the Fight Against Pandemics,” the State Commandant, Emmanuel Ocheja, who was represented by the Head of Agro Rangers Unit of the Command, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Yaqueen warned herders to keep off from farm as destruction of farm produce is the major issue between farmers and herders.
A statement signed by the State’s Command Public Relations Officer, Atanda Olabisi said the Agro Rangers expert advised that stakeholders in the Agrol-allied sector should embrace the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to resolve issues, rather than resort to confrontations and aggressive combat.
DCC Yaqueen also assured commitment of the Corps to protect the agro allied industry and confront other security related challenges that may negatively impinge food production and food security in the country.
He said the Federal Government (FG) is poised to ensure that everybody who is engaging in agriculture operates under a peaceful atmosphere to go about their occupation without any fear of intimidation or harassment.
The Chairman of Ayedire Local Government, Hon. Adigun Adejare commended the effort of the Command for their efforts to maintaining peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, pledging his unalloyed support to the Corps and all other security agencies.
He urged both farmers and herders to continue to live in peace and put an end to incessant farmers and herdsmen clashes in the state.
In his contribution, a participant, Alhaji Seidu Adamu, appreciated the State’s Command for oranising part of the activities marking the Civil Defence Day in Aiyedire Local Government area, promising that all inhabitants of the community will continue to explore every avenue to allow peace and harmony to prevail.
The workshop was attended by the Police, DSS, Immigration, FRSC, Amotekun Corps and representatives of farmers and herdsmen in the state.
