The Senate has said it will set up an ad-hoc committee to convoke a national summit to permanently address the recurring issue of farmers herders conflicts in Nigeria.
This followed the adoption of a motion on a matter of urgent national importance at their plenary on Tuesday.
Coming under a motion, titled: “Urgent need for the rehabilitation of Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi, Bagaji, and Bagana, communities in Omala local Government Area of Kogi state by gunmen attacks and killings,” sponsored by Senator Isah Jibrin (APC-Kogi East).
Sen. Jibrin in his motion stated that Omala Local Government Areas, has been under recurring attacks by gunmen, leading to killings and destruction of properties and farmlands.
He said the attacks and killings had rendered many homeless with no means of sustenance.
He said it was worrisome that Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi Odo, Bagaji, and Bagana communities have been ravaged by recent gunmen, rendering over 30,000 inhabitants of the communities homeless and leading to exodus of the people to other parts of the state.
He said on April 5th, armed herders invaded Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi Odo, Bagaji and Bagana communities, killing 21 innocent citizens, including women and children, in addition to unprecedented destruction of their farm produce.
According to him, the displaced persons have resolved to return to their ancestral homes, but cannot afford shelters and have no means of sustenance.
He also expressed worry that educational institutions in the communities had been destroyed, with many buildings and other facilities completely burnt down, thereby making it absolutely difficult for the children of the affected communities to access educational facilities.
