A survey conducted by NOI polls has shown that half of Nigerians are unsatisfied with the way the federal government is handling the conflict farmers and Fulani herds men in the country.
The country which has claimed several lives, especially in the middle belt of Nigeria has spread to other parts of Nigeria; with attendant cost in lives and property.
The survey also showed that even with the proliferation of media which has led to speedy dissemination of information. Fewer ordinary Nigerian know about the conflict than should. 40% of those who were surveyed are unaware of the recent incidences of conflict between herdsmen and the Fulani.
Asked if they know the cause of the conflict, almost half (48%) of respondents said it is caused by herds men whose cattle feed on the crops of farmers.
While 13% of respondents said lack of understanding between the herdsmen and the farmers is responsible for the conflict. Other important causes identified by the respondents include lack of grazing areas for the Fulani, poverty, tribalism/ethnicity issues, political motivation and land dispute. But three percent of respondents attributed the conflict to poor governance.
Respondents also gave suggestions on ways to resolve the crisis. By far the most popular is advice to the federal government to establish grazing lands for the Fulani herds men. They also identified dialogue as a method of resolving the conflict.
While 14% of respondents called on the government to pass laws that will restrict herdsmen to their home states, 7% of respondents said the government should provide adequate security in the states where there has been conflict.
Only 5% of respondents said both farmers and herds men should be educated on the importance of peaceful coexistence.
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