By Abisola Oluremi
The Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSDC Augustine Padonu has reiterated the commitment of the corps to prioritise the safety of farmers, agricultural assets, and food infrastructure.
He stated this while delivering his keynote address at the agriculture stakeholders seminar organised by the Agro-Ranger Unit of the Corps held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Ibadan.
The NSDC commandant while noting that agriculture , a vital sector for food security is being confronted with persistent clashes between farmers and herders expressed the corps’ mandate to serve with integrity, discipline, and professionalism.
He said the corps through its Agro Rangers Squad in Oyo State had remained steadfast in its commitment to bridging the gap between security and agriculture.
The NSDC commandant disclosed that the corps had settled six hundred and three disputes between farmers and herders from January to June this year.
In a goodwill message, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye reminded farmers that the anti-grazing law, environmental law among others are still in existing in Oyo state to regulate and forestall peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers.
Mr Olasunkanmi said the state would continue to train farmers on the best way to grow grasses to feed their animals.
Speaking on the topic, “Checkmating the Menace of Food Insecurity and Cattle Rustling;The Active Roles of the Agro Rangers Squad, Dr Atunwa Sunday advocated the establishment of mobile court by the federal government for quick prosecution of erring farmers and herders
Dr Atunwa also urged government to strengthen the Agro Rangers Squad by providing necessary equipment to the officers to perform optimally.
Some of the participants including Ade Odebunmi,Alhaji Yakub Bello, Abubakar Bani suggested ranches, establishment of grazing routes and de-arming of both herders and farmers as way out of incessant farmers/herders clashes in the country
Earlier, the Head of Unit, Agro Rangers, Alone Isaac said the seminar was organised to bring together stakeholders to forge partnerships and explore sustainable solutions between farmers and herders
The mandate of Agro Rangers Unit of NSDC is to protect farmlands and agricultural investments, safeguard farmers and agro workers, mediate and prevent violent conflicts, and support peaceful coexistence in agrarian communities.
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