Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan Ali on Tuesday inaugurated a six man technical committee on pastoralists/farmers crisis to proffer solutions to the federal government on the unending killings across the country.
He said, “the crisis has assumed a very disturbing proportion where innocent lives as well as properties are being lost almost on a daily basis”.
Dan Ali said “the ministry of Defence under my leadership is very disturbed hence we deemed it necessary to convene a committee to dispassionately investigate into the crisis and give us some fundamental issues surrounding the crisis in order to advise the leadership of our dear nation on the appropriate steps to take to bring the senseless killings to an end”.
He said as terms of reference, “The members of the committee are to determine the remote and immediate causes of the crisis, determine the triggers as they occur across the country”.
“The committee is also to determine the extent of foreign involvement if any, as well as determine the extent of any economic, political and ethnic linkages to the crisis.
When told that there have been so many committees on farmers/herdsmen crisis in the country since the killings across the country involving herdsmen and militia got out of hand, the minister said, “It is true that there are so many reports and submissions about these attacks and killings. What we are doing with this committee is to get these various submissions articulated.
“It will enable us come up with a durable document and to be able to advise the leadership of our nation on the appropriate steps to take to bring the senseless killings to an end”.
While noting that membership of the committee was still open to people whose contributions would go a long way to helping the final result achieve its purpose, the minister said, “Your selection is based on our belief in your integrity, capacity, and experience of the issues at state”.
Chairman of the Committee, Brigadier General Umar Ibrahim, who is also the Coordinator of Peace Support Operations at the ministry of Defence, in his response said the assignment which has a three weeks duration would be completed, with work starting immediately.
He said the crisis which has affected socio-economic livelihood of states like Taraba, Kaduna especially Birnin Gwari axis, Benue, Zamfara and Katsina states has resulted in lots of senseless killings.
“We will find out what is the root cause of these senseless killings. We are not going to be biased or favour any side. It will be a thorough job. No sentiment will be attached and we promise the report will stand the test of time”.
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