ASHENEWS reports that the Niger state government has commenced an investigation into the farmers/herdsmen clashes in the Kwali community in Gwada District, Shiroro local government of the state.
The Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Mohammed Musa stated this on Monday when he led the state government’s delegation on a sympathy visit to the people of the community.
The Senator, who said the state government is investigating the issue with the view to prosecuting those found guilty to serve as a deterrent to others, stressed the government’s resolve to deal decisively with such wrongdoings.
He advocated for a ban on open grazing as a lasting solution to the problem, while assuring them that the government would also assess the level of damage, and provide support to the victims.
He urged the residents to desist which would jeopardise the developmental initiatives of the government, especially in the area of agriculture.
This online platform reports that the senator during the visit made personal cash donations to the farmers and herders including women of the community.
The senator also promised to provide a borehole, and 10 solar street lights each to the farmers’ and herders’ settlements as well as grade the road leading to the herders’ settlement.
Similarly, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman stressed that the people must learn to be tolerant of each other as the law will always take its course on deviants.
The Commissioner for Pastoral and Nomadic Affairs, Umar Rebe, said the Ministry has set up committees at local levels to meditate on such issues and relate to the Ministry.
He noted that a meeting with relevant stakeholders will soon be held in all eight Emirates in the State on the need for peaceful co-existence.
In their separate remarks, the Kwali Community leader, Yakubu Ingila and the Ardo of the Community, Umar Abubakar in their separate remarks committed to living peacefully going forward.
ASHENEWS reports that the lash between the farmers and herders allegedly occurred when some cows strayed into a farm and destroyed some crops.
A reprisal attack led to loss of lives, while food barns and houses were also burnt.
To quell the situation, the State Government despatched a high-powered delegation to console the two warring parties and read the riot act to them.
The delegation where earlier at the Palace of the District Head of Gwada, Jafaru Musa where the Senator intimated to him of their visit.
In his response, the District Head appreciated the visit and appealed for support from the Niger State government to provide succour to the victims.
