The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi
Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has said dialogue will play a key role in the resolution
of herdsmen-farmers’ crisis.
He warned traditional rulers not
to escalate tensions.
In a statement released on
Sunday, Oba Adeyemi called for peace and urged security agencies to work for
the unity of Nigeria.
The monarch, however, decried the
use of firearms, including AK-47 rifles, to protect cattle.
“In those days, sticks were the
only weapons with which breeders directed their cattle. When was it the
practice that Fulani breeders would arm themselves to the teeth just to protect
their cattle? In the past, part of the guidance which breeders gave to their
cattle was to ensure that they did not destroy farm crops along their ways.
“But today, with the arm at their
disposal, some Fulani breeders choose to target green leaves of farmers’ crops
as good protein for their cattle and, therefore, lead their cattle aggressively
to that direction.
“The greatest challenge facing
the country at the moment is the herdsmen. The recent Benue State experience is
too fresh to be forgotten so soon,” he said.
Oba Adeyemi advised other
traditional rulers not to use any religious or ethnic justification in the
present situation.
“The institution of traditional
rulers should use both individuals and collective efforts to quell the crisis
from further escalation. It is unfortunate that some highly placed traditional
rulers should see the recent Benue incident as a justified reprisal quoting fictitious
and imaginary figures of similar incident that had happened at another
neighbouring state.
“We have managed in Oyo area to
ensure that the cattle herdsmen are kept in proper place and the farmer’s crops
and interest are adequately protected,” he added.
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