By Abdullahi Tukur Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Government, has directed security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the recent clashes between farmers and herders in some communities of Arewa Local Government Area of the state, with a view to identify and prosecute those involved in the crime.
Governor Nasir Idris gave the directive when he led a government delegation to Kangiwa, to consoled with victims of the clashes, which resulted in the destruction of Fulani settlements, farmlands, and loss of lives.He emphasized on the importance of peace as a prerequisite for development, noting that no community, state, or nation can progress in the atmosphere of rancho and warned that, his administration would not tolerate any form of insecurity and reaffirmed its commitment to maintain law and order across the state.
The Governor further stated that, most of the perpetrators of such attacks often infiltrate Kebbi from neighbouring Niger Republic, given the local government’s proximity to the international border, and therefore, appealed to residents to live in harmony, shun reprisals, and accept the incident as the will of God.
While sympathizing with the victims, the Governor announced a donation of ₦150 million to assist those affected and pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to provide additional relief materials.
In their separate remarks, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and former Governor Saidu Usman Dakingari, stressed the need for peaceful coexistence, urging citizens to set aside ethnic and religious differences for the unity and progress of the state and the nation at large.
Also speaking, the community leaders, the District Head of Bui, Ardon Bui, and Sarkin Noma, recalled that, the area had enjoyed decades of peaceful coexistence before the recent crisis and called on the state government to take lasting measures to prevent reoccurrence of the crises especially during raining season farming.
