Under the auspices of the Tyoshin Development Association (TDA), the Renowned Benue State Social Cultural group has commended their State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on his strategy to ensure food security.
The group also lamented the sustained killings of farmers in Nigeria by suspected herdsmen, asking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to back the State Anti-grazing Laws with Federal might.
Contributing to a national discussion on Radio Nigeria on the topic “Ending Farmers Herders Crisis to Boost Food Security,” which was monitored, the President of Tyoshin Development Association, Chief Tiza Tarnongo, said the anti-urban grazing law of Benue State, enacted to mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders, had shown promising results but required full support from the Federal Government to be truly effective.
Therefore, all stakeholders, including government, security agencies, community leaders, and citizens, must collaborate effectively to find lasting solutions to end the cycle of violence and restore peace and security in the affected areas.
While commending Governor Hyacinth Alia’s doggedness in resettling Displaced persons, Tarnongo revealed that the establishment of community-based Conflict Resolution Committees that foster dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion, raising awareness about the benefits of peaceful coexistence and educating communities on conflict resolution techniques can foster a culture of peace.
“Addressing environmental factors such as drought and desertification is also crucial. Expanding livelihood opportunities for farmers and herders can reduce dependency on land and resources by reducing competition.” He added
The public affairs Commentator narrated that “ a few days ago, two gentlemen identified as Targure Terhemba and Terkura Orhembe as well as one yet to be identified man were brutally murdered in their farmland in Benue State. Some parts of the state, precisely the Tyoshin axis of Makurdi and Gwer West Local Government Areas, have recently become a harsh reality.
“The Makurdi-Naka road, for instance, has become unsafe due to killings and kidnappings. These attacks have unleashed a wave of devastation with the loss of lives and properties, plunging communities into a State of fear and uncertainty. The ripple effects of these attacks are far-reaching, causing food insecurity, exacerbating poverty, increasing the number of internally displaced persons (IDP) and perpetuating a circle of insecurity in the Country. Tarnongo stressed.
Tarnongo, therefore, called for strong political commitment and leadership at both Federal and State levels to drive the implementation of these strategies; by fully supporting and enforcing the anti-grazing law and implementing comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of these conflicts, the nation can pave the way for sustainable and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in ensuring food security, economic stability and social harmony in the region.
