Benue, Nasarawa collaborates on security

yinka ogunlami

January 21, 2016 5:59 PM

Two States in North Central Nigeria, Benue and Nasarawa have teamed up to combat hostilities being experienced in the area.

Pulse had earlier reported how frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers has led to the killing of hundreds of people in the region.

But a joined meeting summoned by the two states governors, Samuel Ortom of Benue and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, resolved to tackled the security challenges.

"We are going to intensify surveillance and patrol activities at the border areas; Identify the perpetrators, sponsors/financiers of this heinous crime and be made to face the full wrath of the law," a communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the two governors said.

"We will also identify and expose routes and hideouts being used by criminal gangs and their collaborators; allow Fulani herdsmen access to and from across river Benue. Fulani herdsmen should refrain from trespassing and occupying farmlands and communities," the communique stated.

Other resolutions includes: "Farmers and herdsmen should also refrain from taking laws into their hands at the slightest provocation. They should endeavor to report any trespass or breach of their rights to the constituted authority nearest to them."

"Every community should take security issues seriously and as a matter of priority establish a local security committee comprising community leaders, security personnel, youth and vigilante groups. The Committee should undertake advocacy and enlightenment, profiling of migrants into communities and mopping of illegal arms and ammunition as well as disarmament on both sides."

yinka ogunlami