Group Urges Kogi Govt To Curb Herder-Farmer Clashes

A group, the Ukomu Igala Organisation, has called on the Kogi State government to quickly halt the escalating violence between farmers and herders in Ejule-Ojebe Town of Ibaji local government area.

It also pleaded with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies to swiftly restore law and order to prevent reprisal attacks in the troubled community.

The group’s national leader, Maj-Gen. James Ataguba (rtd), made the appeal in a statement he issued to journalists in Abuja yesterday.

Ataguba said the organisation was troubled by reports of violent clashes which have allegedly claimed lives, left several persons missing and widespread destruction of farmlands, crops and cattle.

He expressed sympathy with families affected by the crisis and urged all the warring parties to embrace peace.

“We are deeply saddened by the violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in Ejule-Ojebe town, Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, which have resulted in loss of lives, missing persons and destruction of farmlands, crops and cattle,” he said.

“We sympathise with all the families affected by this tragic incident and call on all parties to immediately lay down their arms and embrace peace.

“We urgently appeal to the Kogi State government to intervene without delay to prevent further bloodshed,” he said.

Ataguba also called on security agencies to intensify operations in the area to forestall retaliatory violence.

Ataguba noted that Ibaji council had continued to face serious socio-economic challenges, which, he said, were worsened by years of neglect, poor infrastructure and environmental degradation affecting farming and fishing activities.

According to him, the prevailing conditions have contributed to recurring communal tensions in the area.