Residents and those farming at Bolorunduro, one of the areas affected by the construction of Airport in Ado-Ekiti are currently protesting against the planned clearing of their farmlands by the state Government.
According to the protesters, government brought tractors yesterday to start clearing their farmlands containing various crops without prior notice.
They appealed to the state government to give them more time to allow their crop plantations to germinate and ripe for harvest before the lands were cleared.
Meanwhile, Ekiti state government will today begin payment of compensation to farmers whose airport construction. will be affected by the project.
Farmers and traders in Kano are lamenting as farm produce, which can’t be sent to the South due to the ongoing strike by sellers of cows and foodstuff, are now being sold at the North at ridiculously low prices.
In a video shared by Daily Trust, the farmers and marketers at the Gun-Dutse onion market, Dawakin Kudu Local government Area of Kano State, are seen lamenting the effect of the ongoing strike by the sellers of cows and foodstuff.
Since last Thursday, trucks bringing foodstuff to the Southern part of Nigeria were turned back at Kara Jebba, the last village between Niger state and Kwara state, to prevent them from bringing food to the South.
This strike is connected to an ultimatum given by the national leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to the Federal Government, which demanded compensation for the losses suffered by Northern traders in the recent mayhem at Shasha market in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The strike led to an increase in the price of food commodities in the South, but the prices are plummeting in the north.
Farmers said before the protest, they usually transport a minimum of 20 trucks to the southern part of the country daily, but the strike has affected them badly.
The largest bag of onion, sold at N35,000 few weeks ago and as high as N70,000 during the onion scarcity last year, is now being sold for N7,000.
With the strike entering its fifth day (on Tuesday), farmers and foodstuff marketers in Kano, especially those who deal with tomatoes have begun to feel the impact with prices further plummeting.
Findings revealed that many tomato farmers have abandoned their farms due to a shortage of outlets as well as their inability to continue spending their resources in harvesting the produce.
Many farmers now prefer to cut their losses and allow the tomatoes to rot on the farms rather than expend resources to package and transport it to the Southern part of the country. This is because AUFCDN officials have mounted blockades to enforce compliance at strategic places like Lokoja in Kogi State and Jebba in Kwara State.
It was also gathered that the union’s move has created a serious tomato glut as it is harvest season for the produce and instead of the farmers counting gains, they are busy counting losses.
A visit to the Kadawa irrigation site in Garun Malam Local Government of Kano State revealed several tomato farms due for harvest left unattended by the farmers.
According to the state chairman of Tomato Out Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN), Alhaji Sani Danladi Yadakwari, the recent move by the union has dealt them a heavy blow.
He added that already there has been a glut in tomato harvested in this year’s dry season in the state, which resulted in a drastic crash in its price in the open market.
He said already tomato farmers in the state have called on the state government to intervene and save the situation to save the farmers from incurring heavy losses that might result in the total crippling of tomato farming.
“There is a need for the government and other authorities concerned to wade into the issue and rescue these farmers from total loss,” he pleaded.
At Kwanar Gafan Tomato Market in Garun Malam Local Government Area of the state, it was gathered that the market that initially loads about 35 to 40 trucks of tomatoes to other parts of the country every day has not loaded a single truck in the last five days.
According to a tomato merchant, Malam Ibrahim Ghali Dumaji current tomato price has not been favourable and encouraging as tomatoe that could fill a big basket is sold at N850 while the basket itself is sold at N750 thereby bringing the total cost of a basket of tomato to N1600.
“The union’s recent strike and the current glut has thrown tomato farmers, marketers and other perishable farmers in Kano State into a serious crisis as many farmers abandoned their farms, awaiting a miracle. This is a serious challenge taking into consideration the cost of production and other expenses incurred during the planting and harvesting processes,” he said.
It was, however, gathered that the only solace available to tomato farmers is the Dangote Tomato Processing Company under the Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) that offers far more than the farmers make in open markets.
Farmers in Oyo State have been assured that all measures are in place to secure their lives as the State government would not allow individuals masquerading as herders to halt the pace of development in the agricultural sector of the State economy.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon Ojemuyiwa Ojekunle, gave this assurance while addressing farmers from Ijaye Farm Settlement, at the Ministry’s conference room after a peaceful demonstration conducted within the State secretariat complex by the aggrieved farmers.
The farmers have protested the destruction of their farms by cattle herders which has led to loss of their investments in the farms within the Ijaye Farm Settlement.
The Commissioner noted that the Engr. Seyi Makinde-led administration is a government of the masses which holds farmers in high esteem, urging farmers to bear in mind that economic expansion through agriculture and its value chain is one of the four point service agenda of the administration.
Hon Ojekunle said the government understood the plights of the farmers and would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that farmers enjoy the fruits of their labour and secure their lives as well.
Earlier, the Chairman, Ijaye Farm Settlement Farmers’ Association, Dr. Tunde Tairu while stating their grievances, said that herdsmen and their cattle have invaded their farmland and have turned farmers to slaves on government land for which they paid rent yearly.
Tairu said further that the herdsmen could not be challenged because they were armed with sophisticated weapons and farmers were being threatened with guns anytime they challenge the herders.
“In fact two days ago, one of our farmers that challenged them on his own farm got his left arm amputated right in our presence,” Tairu added.
He noted that Fulanis have been terrorizing farmers for a long time but the situation has become precarious, as the herders have continued to rape and kidnap their family and community members.
The protesters requested for massive presence of security personnel on their farmland and also appealed to the government to create an office for Amotekun officials in the community, with the belief that it would scare criminals among the herders away.
Members of Ijaye Farm Settlement Farmers Association thereafter expressed gratitude to the State government for the privilege given them to express their grievances without prejudice, while also commending the Commissioner for the native intelligence he employed in handling the situation, noting that no government has ever given them such listening ears and opportunity for dialogue.
They pleaded with the Commissioner to ensure that action is taken and promises made by the government are fulfilled in earnest.
The peace meeting also had in attendance the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Bolatumi Oloko, Director of Crops and Farm Settlement, Mr. Opawusi, Director Animal Husbandry, Mr. Odedele and other members of the management team.
Signed:
Wasiu Olatubosun (P.hd),
Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibadan.
Over One hundred farmers from Ijaye Farm Settlement in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State this morning embarked on a peaceful protest to the State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.
The farmers who carried placards with different inscriptions were protesting against the destruction of their farmlands by herdsmen in the council area.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, the President of the Association, Dr. Tairu Tajudeen and the association’s secretary, Mr. Yakubu Olanrewaju said the herdsmen not only invade their crop farms with cows but also attack farmers who attempt to resist them and also rape their wives.
Dr. Tajudeen and Mr. Olanrewaju who explained that the herdsmen were armed with sophisticated weapons vowed to continue their protest should government failed to accede to their demands
Reacting, the former Commissioner of Police who also the executive assistant to Oyo State Governor on Security Matters, Mr. Sunday Odukoya said the state government would look into their demands.
The farmers had earlier taken their protest to the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development where they addressed by the director of administration and supply.
Ogun state government has delivered first batch of palliatives to the victims of the recent conflict between herders and farmers in Ogun West Senatorial District of the state.
The Chairman, Subcommittee on palliatives who is also the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan told newsmen that the Committee was in Ogun West Senatorial district to deliver the palliatives as promised by the Governor.
He pointed out that a lot would still be done to bring succour to the people of the area, adding that government was taking an holistic approach towards making life comfortable for the people.
Mr. Olabimtan explained that the committee would also ascertain the value of property that had been destroyed during the conflict between Farmers and herders in the senatorial district.
In a remark, the Chairman Transition Committee, Yewa North Local Government, Mr. Bankole Babatunde while appreciating the State Governor for the gesture, gave the assurance that the palliatives would get to the victims in all affected communities.
Kano state government has expended about twenty million naira as pallatives for 185 kano indigenes who are victims of the recent clashes which occurred between an indigene and a settler at the popular Shasha market in Ibadan,Oyo state capital.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje while doling out #100 thousand naira each to the affected persons at Akinyele area of Ibadan said the Kano State government shared in their pain and losses.
Governor Ganduje who was represented by his Commissioner for Information Mallam Mohammed Garba noted that the victims have been interacted with to their plights and advice for harmonious relationship.
He said the gesture became imperative to give the victims of the unfortunate incident support.
Governor Ganduje who admitted there were security challenges in the country admonished Nigeria to eschew peace for the betterment of the country.
On the delegation were the Kano state Commissioner for Education,Mr Sanusi Mohammed and his counterpart from the ministry of Trade and Investment, Ibrahim Muktar
Two of the beneficiaries,Hajia Lami Abubakar and Abba Usman appreciated Kano state government for the kind gesture.
Four Northern Governors and Two southern Governors have converged on Abeokuta at a stakeholders parley to find lasting solution to Farmers and Herders clashes in the South West Region.
Speaking at the Forum, the Northern Governors called on the federal government to encourage and support the herders in practicing modern system of animal husbandry. In their separate contributions, The Kano state Governor Alhaji Abdullai Ganduje and his Counterpart from Niger State, Governor Abubakar Bello stressed the need for government to introduce ranches as being practiced all over the world.
The Governors who urged the federal government to invest in herdsmen, said the Northern Governors were proposing to stop open grazing in the Country.
The Chairman South West Governors’ Forum, and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu called on Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria MACBAN to work with relevant agencies towards curbing activities of kidnappers and cattle rustlers in the country.
In a remark, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun said his administration would facilitate signing of treaty between the Farmers and herdsmen towards promoting peaceful coexistence in the state. Ealier, The Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter Mr Olusegun Dasaolu had called on government to find lasting solution to Farmers and Herdsmen crisis in the state. Also National President, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Mr Mohammodu Kirowa , represented by National Secretary of the Association Mr Uthman Ngelzarma pointed out that the herdsmen were most affected in the Crisis, and urged the government to come to their aid.
The Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Bangudu, Zamfara state Governor Bello Matawalle, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders and other dignitaries were present at the stakeholders parley.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has set up a Special Security Task Force towards maintaining peace in all areas of the state prone to herders/farmers conflict.
Governor Abiodun who announced this in a statement in Abeokuta, also ordered the security agencies in the state to investigate the recent clash between herdsmen and farmers in Eggua, Yewa North local government area of the State.
Governor Abiodun also directed that those behind the recent violence that led to loss of life and destruction of property in the area should be brought to justice, adding that his administration would not condone any act of criminality in the state.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased, Governor Abiodun also sympathized with those who lost their farmlands as well as cows during the unfortunate incident.
The Governor also announced that stakeholders’ meeting involving farmers and herdsmen would take place next week in order to identify specific and practical initiatives that would bring about a lasting peace.
He urged the residents of the State to continue to go about their lawful businesses and report any strange movements or threats to peace in their neighbourhoods to the security agencies.
Ogun State police command has cautioned against attacks on herdsmen’s’ settlements in Yewa part of the State and other areas. According to a statement issued by the command spokesman, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi in Abeokuta, the police authority noted with sadness the attacks on settlements inhabited by Nigerian herdsmens of Fulani extraction in which some of them were born and brought up in the area. The police spokesman stated that those being attacked qualified to be addressed as fellow Yorubas by the attackers as they speak Yoruba language with proverbs fluently and eloquently. The Ogun state police command stated that it was unlawful and unconstitutional to deny fellow Nigerians the right to live in any part of the country and pursue their legitimate businesses, including cattle rearing. The command also advises the herdsmen to avoid destructions of farmlands, which has been identified as the reason behind the unending disharmony and clashes. The Ogun Police Command called on both farmers and herdsmen as well as the entire Yoruba and Fulani communities across the State to fish out criminals especially among visiting herdsmen. Mr. Oyeyemi explained that all stakeholders have resolved to be decisively with the issue as culprits would be fished out to face the law.
Farmers and herders ìn Eggua have agreed to constitute a conflict resolution committee involving representatives of all the communities in the area to prevent invasion by unknown herders that annually commit atrocities.
The two parties made the resolution after a meeting with the state farmer’s herder’s conflicts resolution committee held at Tata in Yewa Both local government area of Ogun State.
The recent annual farmers and herders crisis according to speakers at the meeting was discovered to be the handiwork of the invading herders from outside the country.
The state conflicts resolution committee has the representatives of the government, farmers, herders, and security agencies in the state with by Mr. Segun Dasaolu and Seriki Fulani, Ogun state Mr. Kabiru Labaran as Co- Chairmen was initiated by the government to find a lasting solution to the problem.
Mr. Segun Dasaolu in remark informed those in attendance that night grazing will no longer be allowed including using the underage to lead the animals while no herder will be allowed to bear arms.
The heads of the two of the security agencies present at the meeting, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Eggua Division Mr. Olarewaju Kalejaiye and the leader of the military team attached to the committee, Captain Enoch Edward expressed their readiness to maintain peace in the area
The Community Conflict Resolution Committee in the area including the farmers, herders and security officials is expected to resolve destruction of farmlands and produce, prevent illegal entry into farms, curbs harassment and attacks as well as providing recommendation on the way forward.
Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Nwachukwu Enwonwu has called for collaboration among stakeholders in Ibarapa/Oke Ogun axis over incessant crisis between herders and farmers.
Mr Enwonwu stated this at the familiarization tour/threat assessment of the entire areas.
He said the tour was to assess the alleged invasion of armed bandits and the incessant crisis between the herders and the farmers.
The meeting, which was extensive, included traditional rulers, officers and men, chairmen of LGAs, PCRC members, community/youth leaders, vigilantes, hunters, herders, farmers, heads of Myetti Allah, Seriki Fulani/Hausa.
The CP sought for collaboration of all stakeholders with the police to flush out criminal elements that are bent on disturbing the peace of the Ibarapa area.
He equally met with heads of farmers/herders including the Seriki Fulani/Hausa and heads of Myetti Allah on the need ensure peace.
He directed the divisional police officers, DPOs, in the areas to ensure that farmers/herders t sign a peace pact to avoid incessant clashes as a result of destruction of farmland and retaliation for killing cattle.
He implored them to always alert the police, whenever they see strange faces in their communities for quick intervention.
Farmers in Osun State have been urged not to be discouraged by the level of rainfall this year but prepare more land for the next planting season.
This was the submission of some stakeholders who spoke with our correspondent, Temitope Mosadomi in Osogbo, on the implications of lack of rain in the last few months.
