By Mohammed Abubakar, Dutse
As the farming season sets in, in the northern part of the country, the Jigawa state Governor, Malam Umar Namadi has warned of the consequences of the escalation of conflicts between farmers and cattle herders in the state.
He, has, therefore, cautioned traditional rulers, religious, community and youth leaders in the state to maintain vigilance and ensure that undesirable elements do not take undue advantage of any little undertaking to cause mayhem in the state.
He urged them to take particular notice of who comes in and goes out of their respective localities to avoid harbouring bad elements and miscreants.
Namadi stated this over the weekend at Kabak village in Kirikasamma Local Government Area, one of the epicentres of the farmers/herders’ conflicts,where he addressed both Farmers and herders.
He admonished the two groups to remain peaceful, united and avoid conflicts bedeviling some parts of the Northwest region.
He urged the two parties to embrace peace in the state to give way for the state government to execute developmental Projects that have direct bearings on the lives of the ordinary citizens.
“There will not be development of any kind if there is no peace in the state. Because as a government we had done a lot for farmers and the herders.
“We employed over 1200 Agro-extention workers for farmers as well as over 300 Veterinary health workers for the herders livestock. All with the good intention of having a peaceful environment in the state.
“We can give you all the needed assistants to enable you succeed. I learnt that in this village over 100 people bought new cars this year, over 200 youths bought new motor cycles.
“Many people demolished their mud houses and built modern houses, and many people married new wives and married out their daughters without being supported by anybody,” Namadi said.
Namadi, therefore warned that the state government would not tolerate any breach of peace by any group in any part of the state.
“Farmers should always farm where it is authorized for them, to avoid cultivating along the cattle routes or drinking ponds as well as grazing areas.
“While the herders are also warned to avoid grazing on crops or any other areas that are already cultivated. Any person or group of persons that violate this accord will be dealt with by the law” he added.
in his remark, the state Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, (AFAN) Alhaji Idris Ya’u Maiungwa commended the governor’s agric policies, which he said have impacted positively on the farmers in the state.
He cited the equitable distribution of fertilizers and other farming inputs to the farmers across the state, which has led to increased yields of farming products in the state.
According to Maiungwa, “I can confirm that since the assumption of office of the governor just about a year ago his policies on agriculture have brought alit of possitive turnaround for agriculture in the state.’
He expressed confidence that if the current tempo was maintained, the governor’s dream of turning the state into a great agricultural hub would be realised within a very short period of time.
He commented on the agreement reached between the farmers and herders to maintain peace, saying the move was in sync with the present administration’s 12 points agenda aimed at increasing food production in the state.
“With this agreement in place, we anticipate increased agricultural productivity, improved security, and enhanced social cohesion,” he said.
The occasion was attended by dignitaries from all walkd of life including, the state Chairman if the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, (MCBAN), Kirikasamma LGA, community, religious, youths and women leaders.
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