In an effort to tame the farmer-herder crisis, the Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) has inaugurated Agro Rangers’ Squad to broker peace between farmers and herders in Zamfara communities.
Farmer-herder conflict has caused loss of lives and properties especially during the rainy season in Zamfara. The NSCDC said its Agro Rangers’ Consolidated Squad would help settle conflict in communities.
Zamfara State has become an epicenter of banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest region that posed a serious threat to the lives and wellbeing of the citizens.
NSCDC Commandant, Sani Mustapha, said the Squad will ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the agrarian areas worst hit by banditry.
WikkiTimes understands that the inauguration of the squad comes at the time when farmers are jittery to return to farm as rainy set in.
- FCT World Bank-Assisted Clinics May Collapse Due to Govt’s Neglect
- The Bedroom Economy: The Dark Sides of Leaked Nudes: Extortion, Trauma and More
- Sokoto Govt Allocates Another ₦2 Billion for Lawmakers’ Vehicles After Spending ₦1.3 Billion Amid Rising Poverty
- PRP Accuses Bauchi Governor of Mismanagement Amid Rising State Debt
- Tinubu Assents to NCDC Bill as Nigeria Strives for Even Development
Recall that terrorists had imposed levies on some Zamfara farming communities in the past. The bandits also forced others to work for them and banned other farmers from accessing their farmlands.
However, Mustapha said the Squad underwent one-month refresher training to prepare them for the operation.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawan, said the team will complement the efforts of other security agencies in the fight against banditry and kidnapping in the state.
Lawan acknowledged the efforts of the NSCDC in safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens in Zamfara State and the country at large.
“I honored the invitation of the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to the passing out drill of its Agro Rangers this morning. The NSCDC has contributed significantly to safeguarding lives and properties in Zamfara and Nigeria”.
“Security continues to be my administration’s top priority. I am confident that the newly graduated Agro Rangers will effectively complement other security agencies in addressing our state’s kidnapping and banditry challenges”, said Lawan in his verified Facebook handle.
WikkiTimes recalled that the Zamfara State government had repeatedly vowed not to engage in any form of negotiations with the bandits, nor did it authorize any individual or group to do so on its behalf.
The State also accused the Federal Government of engaging in a dialogue with the bandits in the state without its consent.
Yawale Adamu