The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, has condemned state complicity in the ongoing farmer-herder clashes across the country.
Abbas made this statement on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, which aimed to address the impact of climate change on farmer-herder clashes.
Represented by Rep. Dicsok Teke, Abbas criticised states for failing to enact laws supporting ranching, thereby perpetuating outdated cattle-rearing methods.
He highlighted the devastating effects of this inaction, including families fleeing their homes and severe food insecurity.
Abbas emphasised the need to address climate change, which had led to desertification and forced farmers and herders to seek better pastures.
He urged the country to adopt modern farming methods to overcome food insecurity.
The speaker called for a transition from nomadic to ranching, citing the lack of political will and legislation as significant obstacles.
He urged state and federal governments to allocate resources and legislation to resolve the farmer-herder crisis.
Sen. Gorge Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, emphasised Nigeria’s need to prepare for climate change.
He promised collaboration with lawmakers to engage stakeholders and tackle farmer-herder clashes.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Mr Terseer Ugbor, noted that Benue State was severely affected, with over 3 million people displaced due to farmer-herder clashes.
He assured that steps were being taken to resolve the issue in Benue and nationwide.(NAN)