All the major stakeholders could do more to stem the violence In a resurgence of unprovoked violence, gunmen recently invaded some remote communities in Mangu and Riyom local government
In a resurgence of unprovoked violence, gunmen recently invaded some remote communities in Mangu and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State and killed dozens of innocent men, women, and children. Some houses and churches were also razed while many families are displaced.
While we commiserate with the families of victims, violence in Plateau State now constitutes one of Nigeria’s major security threats. Communal clashes over scarce grazing land and water resources have plagued Nigeria’s central region for decades. Benue, and to extent Nasarawa States, are also impacted badly by cattle grazing and bloody disputes between herders and farmers.
Plateau State has many ethnic groups, but the clashes are mainly between Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers. In August 2021, an attack on Muslims travelling through Jos for a religious event led to the deaths of more than a dozen people. Meanwhile, the violence in Plateau and several other theatres across the country are aggravated by tension over access to land, triggering bloody clashes between nomads and peasant farmers almost on a regular basis.
As a measure of resolving the crisis, a local special task force, codenamed Operation Safe Haven, has been deployed to the state since 2001, but it has remained largely ineffectual. Government effort at both the federal and state in resolving the crisis has also been half-hearted. They have been unable to decisively address the unfortunate situation by their persistent refusal to confront reality.
As we have repeatedly said, the solution to the persistent violence on the Plateau lies in addressing headlong the problem of open grazing. It is time to end indiscriminate grazing of farmlands by cattle in Plateau State, and indeed across the country. Many countries in Africa like Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya and Ethiopia have long embraced ranching and it is paying off. It is the trend across the world.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
As NNPC’s Renewed Fight against Oil Theft, Performance Draw Applause – THISDAYLIVE
Read more »
Abba Kabir: The Renewed Hope of Kano – THISDAYLIVE
Read more »
Inauguration: Tinubu's political ordeal, leverage of renewed hope - Olowu of Iwo, AkanbiThe Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has described the political ordeal of newly sworn-in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as leverage for renewed
Read more »
‘Hope of many Nigerians is renewed’ — Betara congratulates Tinubu | TheCableMuktar Betara, a member of the house of representatives, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his inauguration. Tinubu was sworn in on Monday as the 16th democratically elected president of
Read more »
I won't witch-hunt anyone, Plateau gov-elect assures LalongThe Governor-elect of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has assured the outgoing administration led by Governor Simon Lalong that the incoming government will not witch-hunt him after the inauguration .
Read more »
We'll not witch-hunt anyone - Plateau Gov-elect Mutfwang assuresBarely 24 hours before the gubernatorial inauguration, Plateau State Governor-elect Caleb Mutfwang said his administration will not witch-hunt anyone, and
Read more »