As farmers in Gombe State are busy harvesting their farm produce and bringing them home, the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed a total of 299 Agro-Rangers and other personnel to prevent clashes between herders and farmers.
The deployment was directed by the State Commandant, Muhammad Bello Mu’azu who, highlighted that “It is a specialised unit within the NSCDC, and its deployment along major cattle routes in Gombe state became necessary to enforce the restriction of cattle movements and migration order of the state government.”
He explained that the aim is to prevent farmers/herders clashes and ensure a peaceful harvest season in the state.
The deployment of the specialised personnel is in line with the Corps mission of developing structures and strategies that would contribute to national security by using modern technology.
According to him, “As we gets to the end of October, 2023, it’s obvious that the raining season has virtually come to an end. Hence, the commencement of harvest of crops from farms by the farmers.”
The harvest season in Nigeria more particularly in Gombe State comes with a lot of challenges considering the fact that Gombe State is 80% agrarian community.
Mu’azu said that,”We cannot forget the fact that, the herders would commence their migration from the Northern region, particularly Yobe and Bauchi States respectively following their route in search of water and greener pasture.”
The Commandant warned that any herder or farmer found violating the restriction order will face the full wrath of the law.
He also urged farmers across the state to report any suspicious activity or security threats to the nearest security post, and to avoid taking matters into their own hands.
The Commandant also called on members of the public to cooperate with the deployed officers by providing useful information that will aid their operations.
Bello Mu’azu equally urged the farmers and herders to embrace the use of modern techniques in agriculture and animal husbandry to reduce the incidences of clashes which have in the past led to lost of several lives, cattle and destruction of farmlands across the country.
He also appealed to the people of Gombe State to support the efforts of the NSCDC in maintaining peace and security in the state.
He then assured that the NSCDC will not rest on its oars until the state is completely free of any form of insecurity as contained in a statement by SC Buhari Sa’ad, Public Relations Officer, Gombe State Command.
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