Malami offers solutions to farmer herder conflicts
Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has offered solutions to the recurring farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria. In a statement, Malami emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the issue, which has led to loss of lives and property in many parts of the country.
Some of the solutions proposed by Malami include:
- Establishment of Grazing Reserves: Malami suggested the establishment of grazing reserves and ranches to provide a safe and sustainable means of livestock production. This would help to reduce the pressure on farmlands and minimize conflicts between farmers and herders.
- Compensation for Damages: The Minister proposed the establishment of a compensation mechanism to compensate farmers and herders for damages caused by conflicts. This would help to reduce tensions and promote reconciliation.
- Community Policing: Malami emphasized the need for community policing to ensure that conflicts are addressed promptly and effectively. This would involve the involvement of local communities in the policing process to ensure that their concerns are addressed.
- Dialogue and Reconciliation: The Minister stressed the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in resolving farmer-herder conflicts. He called for the establishment of a platform for dialogue between farmers and herders to address their differences and find mutually beneficial solutions.
- Support for Livestock Production: Malami proposed the provision of support for livestock production, including the provision of credit facilities, veterinary services, and market access. This would help to improve the livelihoods of herders and reduce their reliance on farmlands.
- Strengthening of Security Agencies: The Minister emphasized the need to strengthen the security agencies to ensure that they are better equipped to respond to conflicts and maintain law and order.
- Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence: Malami called for the promotion of peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, and emphasized the need for tolerance, understanding, and respect for each other's rights and interests.
Overall, Malami's solutions aim to address the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts, promote peaceful coexistence, and ensure that the rights and interests of all parties are protected.