The Agro Ranger Department of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Kebbi State, says it has resolved 30 farmer/pastoralists’ clashes in the past one year in the state.
Mr Hayatudeen Falke, Head of the Agro Rangers Department of the Corps, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi.
NAN reports that Agro Ranger Squad is a specialised force of the Corps designed to protect farmers and agro allied investments in the country.
Falke said that the feat achieved in dispute and conflict resolutions had boosted efforts toward addressing cattle rustling, clashes and banditry in the state.
Falke said: “As part of efforts to end incessant clashes between pastoralists and farmers, which lead to killings and destruction of property, we resolved 30 disputes this year in the state.
“It will promote peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farmers as well as enhance food security in the state.
“When we were inaugurated in 2019 as the Agro Ranger in Katsina State, we were exposed to rigorous trainings by the Nigerian Army.
“We are specially trained to provide security to agro-allied facilities, agro allied-based industries, investments and ranches, as well as ensure alternative conflict resolution in pastoral and farming communities.
“We are doing all of these in collaboration with traditional and religious leaders as well as socio- cultural groups in the state,” he said.
Falke further sought for the support of the state government, organisations and individuals to enhance its operations.
“We need additional operational vehicles, communication gadgets, body armour, protective helmets and motorcycles to enable us cover the three senatorial zones of the state”
He also called on community and religious leaders as well as the people to report such clashes to the security agencies for prompt action and resolution.
