Following several attacks on farmers, destruction of farmlands and killings of farmers by suspected herders in some parts of the stateEnugu State Government has held several meetings with the leadership of Miyetti Allah and cattle market leaders in Enugu State with a view of finding lasting solutions to the menace, and improve food production in the state.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro- Industrialization,Hon. Patrick Ubru ,disclosed that in a statement made available to Newsmen on Friday.
He said the attackers after carrying out their criminal acts most often settle into various cattle markets.
Pix: Gov Mbah
His words, “these criminals most often settle into the various cattle markets after their evil unprovoked killings. Aside from meetings held at the Government house with security operatives in attendance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization Enugu also met with these leaders of both associations.
“We are meeting with them to ensure that they help in putting their members in check .They would help us to identify those herders who are not their members who penetrate and instigate acts that cause misunderstanding among herders and farmers, ”Ubru said
He said the State Government is poised to ensure that its agricultural transformation and revolution make the desired and anticipated impact.
He expressed the hope that ,”very soon, farmers/herders clashes and some persons moving with unauthorised weapons will be a thing of the past within the council area and its adjoining local governments.”
Pix: Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization,Hon Patrick Ubru
The commissioner said the Peter Mbah-led administration has invested heavily in security to protect its investment in agriculture.
“This is to ensure that the state meets its set targets in agriculture holistically, which also covers rural development and industrialization, food sufficiency, food security, and its attendant employment opportunities,” he said.
“Upscaling agriculture through massive investment and massive mechanisation is the cardinal push in the state government’s envisioned plan of moving the state from an economy of present $4.4 billion to $30 billion within the next eight years.”
He disclosed that the State Government will collaborate with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to establish an agro-ranger squad to protect farmers and farmlands in the state.
According to the Commissioner ,”this squad with specialised training on agricultural protection and other technological gadgets will checkmate all forms of insecurity complained about by our farmers, both commercial and small holder farmers in the state “
He explained that the squad will be stationed on major farms in the state, as well as in special agro-processing centres and facilities in the state
Author: Maureen Ikpeama