NSCDC, Police Host Keffi Peace Summit to Resolve Farmer-Herder Disputes
By Roseline Okafor-Nasarawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Keffi Division, in conjunction with the Keffi Local Government Council and the Keffi Emirate Council, convened a one-day peace and security summit.
The theme was “Food Security, A Major Concern: Fostering Coexistence Amongst Farmers and Herders.”
The summit drew participation from local authorities, traditional rulers, security operatives, and community stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of Keffi Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Idris Ahmad Damagani, emphasized the government’s responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens.
“The government has an objective of ensuring the protection of lives and properties of citizens, hence, the need for farmers to channel their grievances and complaints to appropriate authorities rather than retaliating which will end up becoming disastrous,” he said.
He further appealed to both communities for peaceful coexistence, stating:
“I appeal to herders and farmers to see each other as Siamese twins who are tied together, and partners in progress to ensure food security that would pave ways for peace and progress of the nation.”
Damagani also highlighted the council’s agricultural plans aligned with federal and state initiatives:
“As part of measures to ensure food security, the Keffi Local Government Council has keyed into the policy thrust of the Nasarawa State Government, under His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Executive Governor, Nasarawa State in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He maintained that Keffi Local Government is set to embark on cultivation of two hundred and thirty (230) hectares of land for farming of rice, maize and other food crops for this year’s 2025 agricultural project.”
Representing the Agro Rangers of Nasarawa State Command, DCC Agboola Michael, who spoke on “Food Security: Roles of Traditional Rulers in Managing Conflicts Between Herders and Farmers in Nigeria,” reiterated the NSCDC’s role in maintaining peace:
He stressed the importance of a peaceful environment for agricultural productivity.
“The role of the Agro Rangers Nasarawa State Command is to ensure that every individual carries out his or her businesses freely without fear or intimidation.” He added.
Also in attendance, CPS Ayuba Suleiman Sharafi, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Keffi Division, emphasized the collaborative efforts of the security agencies:
“The Police Command together with the NSCDC mapped out this summit to sensitize individuals for peace creation in order to boost the economy’s growth.” He noted.
Kingsley Ikechukwu Ozoemena, Area Commander of Keffi Area Command, underscored the commitment of the NSCDC in curbing conflicts:
“The NSCDC are working tirelessly to prevent clash between farmers and herders.” He stated.
Speakers emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, highlighting the government’s responsibility to safeguard citizens’ lives and property.
They also discussed plans to boost food security, including the cultivation of 230 hectares of land for farming rice, maize, and other crops.
The summit showcased collaborative efforts between security agencies, local authorities, and traditional rulers to promote peace, encourage agricultural growth, and secure the future of food supply in Nasarawa State and beyond.
