Niger State Government in North Central Nigeria, has planned to compensate pastoralists who lost their livestock to cattle rustlers.
This was disclosed by the State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, at the Fulani Cultural Festival organized by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association of Nigeria held in Niger State.
The Governor, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane said “6 Pastoralists, 2 each from the 3 Senatorial Zones of the State who were victims of cattle rustling will be identified and compensated with 10 cattles each.”
The Governor stressed that the gesture is the willingness of Government in providing initiatives aimed at fostering peace as well as nurture harmonious relationship among the citizenry.
He also revealed that the State Government has reactivated Bobi Grazing Reserve and other reserve areas in the State with a view to mitigating the conflicts between Farmers and Herders.
“The Reserves, apart from being a pragmatic and sustainable solution to Farmers-Herders clashes, it will also generate employment opportunities,” added the Governor.
The SSG in a statement by his spokesperson Lawal Tanko, expressed optimism that the festival would bring harmony and ensure cordial relationship of people from diverse background.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, in his remarks restated the need for peaceful coexistence between Herders and Farmers, urging them to always be law-abiding citizens.
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He noted that the importance of peaceful coexistence among the citizenry to the development of the society could not be over-emphasized.
The National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association, Alhaji Bello Badejo represented by Alhaji Gidado Idris, re-emphasized on the need for peace among them.
The Director General, Nomadic Affairs and Conflict Resolution in the State, Ardo Abdullahi Adamu Babayo, expressed confidence that the event would be a turning point in the inter-ethnic relationship not only in Bida Emirate but the State as a whole.
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