Kwara State government is set to strengthen existing security and peace committees in all 16 local government areas in the state as a way of forestalling clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.
In a statement released yesterday by Muideen Akorede, senior special assistant to the governor on media and communication, the decision was one of the resolutions of the Kwara State Security Committee meeting held Wednesday at the Government House, Ilorin, the state capital.
The Committee, chaired by the governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, resolved that the local government security and peace committees were to monitor, assess, manage security situations and prevent escalation.
However, the committees, which consist of all stakeholders and security agencies in the local governments, including farmers and herdsmen, are also to identify means of compensation where necessary.
The Kwara State Security Committee equally resolved that the Police should look seriously into the issue of illegal arms possession in the state with a view to curbing violence and other criminal acts.
To this end, the State Police Command was directed to engage in massive advocacy in partnership with the state government to enlighten the public on permissible and non-permissible arms in the state.
Also, the Committee approved that a seminar be organised for traditional rulers and leaders of thought to identify better ways of promoting stronger harmony and cohesion in communities across the state, especially between farmers and herdsmen. The seminar is also to promote the use of dialogue and stakeholders engagement.
Similarly, the Committee mandated security agencies to pay special attention to the issue of illegal miners to avoid land degradation and control situations that can threaten peace and security in local communities.
The Committee therefore urged all citizens and residents of the State to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies in order to prevent infiltration of undesirable elements into the State.
Speaking at the end of the meeting, Governor Ahmed noted that clashes between farmers and herdsmen have become a serious security challenge that needs urgent actions in order to maintain the State’s reputation as a home of peace and harmony. Just as he called on all citizens and residents of the State to remain calm and avoid taking laws into their own hands.
The State Security Committee meeting had in attendance the state deputy governor, Peter Kishira, Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, as well as heads of all security agencies and paramilitary institutions such as NDLEA, FRSC, Immigration and Customs.
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