Herdsmen, farmers on tasked peaceful coexistence

Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi on Monday advised herdsmen and farmers to embrace each other and live in peace so as to reap the benefit of a mutually beneficial relationship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bagudu made the call on Monday while interacting with herdsmen living in Tungar-Marina, along with the Birnin Kebbi-Argungu road.

He said that the farmer and the herdsman needed each other with the former interested in the cow dung, while the other needed grass in the fields.

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Bagudu assured the herdsmen of his administration’s determination to provide amenities that would improve the welfare of nomads.

“Government is working hard to ensure adequate livestock feeds, grazing reserves and schools in areas occupied by herdsmen. But that is only possible if the herdsmen adopt peaceful means in seeking for government attention.

“Violence has never solved any problem; all grievances should be channelled through traditional leaders,” he said.

Responding, the leader of the community, Malam Dikko Godiya, said that both parties were ready for peaceful coexistence with other members of the society.

He appealed for more livestock feeds and urged government to carve out and demarcate grazing reserves to minimise clashes