The Chairman of the farmers/herders conflict prevention and settlement of disputes committee, Dr Barnabas Malle, has urged all Local Government caretaker Chairmen to collaborate in establishing joint security at herder entry points to enforce movement restrictions within and outside the state until January 2024.
Malle, who also serves as the State Commissioner for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperative, delivered this charge during the committee’s advocacy visit to Bala Waja, Yamaltu, and Deba in Balanga and Yamaltu Deba local government areas.
According to him, the purpose of this visit is to ensure a trouble-free harvest of farm produce in the state.
While calling on farmers to refrain from harvesting crops or transporting them during night time, Malle said, “from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. Additionally, herders should avoid night time grazing and should not entrust their herds to underage children for rearing, as violators will face legal consequences.”
Malle also urged traditional rulers to convey this message to their communities for a successful harvest season.
The caretaker chairmen of Balanga and Yamaltu Deba Local Government Areas, Alhaji Garba Umar Garus and Alhaji Garba Usman, in their separate remarks expressed their gratitude, assuring their full support and commitment to ensuring a smooth harvest season in their respective areas and across the state.
Also, Alhaji Modibbo Nafada, the state Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, and Malam Ahmad Bello, of the Jonde Jam Association called on both farmers and herders to provide full support and cooperation to achieve a seamless harvest.
Responding, Bala Waja; Alhaji Danjuma Mohammad, and his counterpart the Emir of Deba Alhaji Ahmad Usman, and the representative of the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Kurba, who also serves as the District Head of Kurba in Balanga and Yamaltu Deba LGAs, commended Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for establishing the committee.
They pledged their commitment to relay the message to their communities, while assuring peace and stability in line with government efforts.
