By Fatima Saka
In a bid to address the recurring clashes between herders and farmers, the Senate has called on the Federal Government to fund the establishment of modern ranches across the country. This move aims to promote safety, economic productivity, and long-term peace.
Additionally, the Senate resolved to enact a law that clearly defines the scope of economic activities under the ECOWAS treaty, ensuring that such activities do not infringe on national security or citizens’ rights.
These resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance titled “Urgent Need to Address Incessant Banditry Attacks/Killings and Displacement of Innocent Nigerians in Some Villages at Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State,” presented by Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (Gombe South).
While presenting his motion, Senator Yaro highlighted the need for immediate intervention to address recurring banditry in Billiri Local Government Area.
He cited the December 11, 2024, attacks by suspected herders, which resulted in the deaths of several residents, the destruction of property, and the displacement of villagers in Sansani, Kalindi, Powishi, and Lawushi Daji.
He lamented the widespread destruction, including the burning of homes, destruction of food supplies and livestock, and the displacement of scores of residents. Senator Yaro also warned that these attacks threaten the stability of neighboring states like Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa, further exacerbating food insecurity and disrupting economic activities in the region.
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Citing Sections 33 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to life and freedom of movement, he stressed that it is the government’s constitutional duty to protect its citizens.
In his contribution, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) advocated for federal funding to establish modern ranches as a sustainable solution to the herders-farmers crisis.
Dickson argued that ranching would not only ensure the safety of both herders and farmers but also enhance economic productivity.
He proposed a collaborative approach involving key government agencies to develop a comprehensive plan for implementing the ranching initiative nationwide.
The former governor highlighted the plight of herders, who currently trek long distances from Sokoto to Lagos or Bayelsa to graze their livestock.
He described ranching as a viable business model that could address their challenges, reduce conflicts, and boost local economies.
“The root causes of these conflicts must be tackled,” Dickson said, emphasizing that the initiative could transform livestock management, promote peace, and foster economic growth across Nigeria.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) reminded the Senate of its earlier resolution to hold a national public hearing on legislative measures to address security challenges tied to economic activities and movement.
Oshiomhole stressed the need to enact laws that clearly delineate the boundaries of individual rights to prevent the infringement of one person’s rights on another’s.
He expressed concern over criminal activities by individuals exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders under the ECOWAS framework. He called for stricter regulations and swift legislative action to curb illegal movements and protect Nigerians’ rights and safety.
Senate Resolutions
Following deliberations, the Senate:
1. Observed a minute’s silence in honor of the victims of the attacks.
2. Urged the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the attacks, arrest the perpetrators, and prosecute them.
3. Called for the establishment of a joint police and military task force in Billiri Local Government Area to prevent further violence.
4. Requested the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the North East Development Commission to provide relief materials to displaced victims.
The Senate’s resolutions mark a crucial step toward addressing the root causes of the herders-farmers crisis and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
