By Tayo Joseph, Lagos
The Ogun State Government is taking proactive measures to prevent clash between herdsmen and farmers and also ensure that lives and property within the state are safer.
Towards this end, it has held a meeting with leaders of the various interest groups, including leaders of the Fulani, Hausa communities and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Abeokuta.
Addressing the meeting, also attended by heads of security agencies, including the Nigeria Army, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, noted that the State is one of the most peaceful in the country, despite being home to people of diverse tribes, cultures and religions.
He however added that government is not unaware of the security challenges in the country and is doing all within its powers to prevent a breach of peace.
The SSG therefore charged them to continue to imbibe the spirit of oneness, to further engender peace, reminding them that their businesses can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
“Herdsmen/Farmers clashes are everywhere. We should cooperate to prevent such here. We all have a common interest and that is, there should be continued peace in Ogun State. You should all take this message of peace to your people back home”, Adeoluwa said.
In their various submissions, Commander 32 Artilery Brigade, Brigadier-General Bassey Adkie, Director, DSS, Mr. Sanni Kabiru, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Iliyasu Ahmed and State Commandant, NSCDC, Mr. Philips Ayodele, charged them to be proactive and security conscious at all times.
Leaders of the various groups, represented at the meeting, agreed to work hand in hand with government and cooperate to avoid any clash among them.
