By Dare Akogun
The Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch is set to lead an extensive advocacy campaign aimed at promoting dialogue and consultations among stakeholders to prevent conflicts between farmers and herders in the district. This initiative, led by the Coordinator, Elder Olaitan Oyin Zubair, will commence with a seminar/workshop focusing on security strategies to reduce or eliminate kidnapping and banditry in the district.
During a recent meeting with farmers and herders at Ajase-Ipo, Elder Oyin Zubair emphasized the need to address the primary causes of food shortages, which he identified as cattle grazing on crops and the fear of kidnappings. He highlighted the necessity to revisit the Kwara State Farmers and Herders (Prevention and Settlement of Disputes) Law Cap K 19 enacted in 1997 to mitigate these issues.
Elder Oyin Zubair cited a recent conflict at a farm in Ahun, Oro-Ago District, where two Tiv farmers were killed and two kidnapped following a dispute over cattle compensation. He stressed the importance of a supervising committee, comprising traditional rulers, local government officials, security agencies, farmers, and herders, to enforce the law.
The upcoming seminar/workshop, tentatively scheduled for July 19-22, 2024, aims to reduce persistent conflicts and insecurity during the farming season. Relevant government agencies and selected institutions will also be invited to participate.
Meanwhile, the organization condemned the alleged self-kidnapping cases among some Fulani families, describing them as unlawful and a waste of resources. Recent investigations revealed elements of extortion within disagreeing families, further stressing the need for law and order.
