The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Garba Mukaddas has pledged the command’s willingness to partner with Search for Common Ground, (Search), a Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, to transform the herder-farmer crisis in the state.
Search for Common Ground is a Non-Governmental Organisation, working for the transformation of the farmer-herder crisis in Benue State.
The CP made this pledge when the NGO, paid him an advocacy visit in his office at the state command.
The visit had stakeholders from Search’s Peace Architecture Dialogue (PAD) forum led by the Steering Committee chairman and DG of Benue State Planning Commission, Mr. Sam Onuh.
The Chairman of the Steering Committee told the Police Commissioner that they were in his office to seek robust collaboration in transforming the farmer-herder conflict in the state.
Represented by Mrs. Iember Dagih, the DG explained that Search has been in the state working with key stakeholders including security agencies, herders, farmers, CSOs and other relevant bodies to stem the conflict.
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While suing for partnership in transforming the conflict, the DG commended the police for their efforts in combating various crimes as well as ensuring security of lives and properties in the state.
Mr. Onu noted that, Search through the monthly PAD has sensitized both the farmers and herders on the requirements of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
Responding, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Garba Mukaddas assured the NGO of the command’s unalloyed support to its peace project in the state.
Mukaddas commended the contributions of Search in restoring peace in the state and encouraged them to keep up the good work.
He said he is currently discussing with Governor Samuel Ortom and his Adviser on Livestock how best to implement the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, saying that the law must be given a human face.
The CP urged leaders of the herders to sensitize their members on possible ways of peaceful co-existence especially as it concern the laws of the land.
