The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has disclosed that Oyo State experiences an average of 100 farmers-herders conflicts every month.
Command spokesperson Mr Samuel Opebiyi revealed this on Friday in Ibadan, noting that the clashes are most prevalent in the Oluyole, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa areas of the state.
According to Opebiyi, the disputes often arise from issues such as grazing on farmlands and cattle poisoning, among other conflicts.
He highlighted the role of the NSCDC’s Agro-Rangers in mitigating these tensions.
“The Agro-Rangers have recorded significant successes in preventing farmers-herders disputes from escalating into serious security threats.
“Many cases have been resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, fostering peaceful coexistence,” Opebiyi said.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining harmony between farmers and herders, stating, “The government’s goal of achieving food security in the agriculture sector cannot be realised without ensuring peace between farmers and herders. Our focus is to create an environment where both farming and cattle rearing can thrive.”
Opebiyi acknowledged, however, that the Agro-Rangers’ reach has been limited in some communities due to manpower constraints.
“We are actively working to expand and strengthen the Agro-Rangers in the future to effectively manage farmers-herders conflicts across the state,$ he said.
He added that the presence of NSCDC Agro-Rangers in several communities has significantly contributed to reducing clashes and curbing related criminal activities in Oyo State.
