TO address the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Jigawa State, the Police yesterday held a reconciliatory session with the two groups.
This is coming on the heels of efforts by state and the Federal Governments to provide grazing reserves and other facilities for the herdsmen.
The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Kayode Theophilus, in his address at the meeting, said the special mobile court set up by the state government for the purpose of tackling communal clashes, would be irrelevant if the two groups adhere to the rules.
He said it was the responsibility of the police to provide adequate security for the people of the state and the best way to ensure security was by meeting with perceived rivals and other stakeholders.
Theophilus admonished the farmers and the herdsmen to endeavour to live in peace with one another since they were of same state to avoid unnecessary litigation.
He indicated that since the government took the pains to earmark grazing routes for the herdsmen, the places should be strictly adhered to without encroaching into farmlands.
He urged the two groups to always liaise with the police and the traditional rulers whenever any misunderstanding erupted rather than engaging in violence.
On its part, the state government has promised to compensate landowners in Kaugama and Miga councils, which lands are grazing reserves so as to minimise clashes.
The pledge was made by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Lawan Abdu Babura, at the meeting.
Babura, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), Alhaji Ibrahim Alhaji, said the state government was very much interested in ensuring enduring peace in the state through the provision of enough grazing lands.
