Janet Samuel, Abuja
The Nigeria Senate has urged the Federal Government to assist in rehabilitating the affected communities in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi East Senatorial District, provide relief materials and other forms of support necessary.
This followed a motion moved by Senator Jibrin Isah- Echocho representing Kogi East Senatorial District on the “urgent need to rehabilitate Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji and Bagana communities in Omala”, saying that the affected communities have been displaced due to Fulani herders’ attacks.
Moving the motion under Order 41 and 51, Senator Isah explained that Omala with its headquarters in Abejukolo-Ife which covers about 1,667km 2 and has a population of about 176,000 has been under recurrent herders’ attack leading to killings and destruction of property with little security effort to curb the menace.
He said the displaced persons are currently rendered homeless with the destroyed farmland abandoned for their dear lives, while he further expressed worry that the displaced persons of about 30,000 are relocating to other communities.
He said: “Aware that Omala LGA has been under recurring attacks by gunmen, leading to killings and destruction of properties and farmlands, thereby rendering many homeless with no means of sustenance
Worried that Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi Odo, Bagaji, and Bagana communities have been ravaged by recent gunmen, rendering over 30,000 inhabitants of the communities homeless, leading to exodus of these inhabitants to other parts of Kogi State.”
According to him, the attack which took place on 5th April 2024, Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi Odo, led to loss of 21 innocent lives, including women and children, in addition to unprecedented destruction of their farm produce.
In their various contributions, Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North, called for the setting up of an ad hoc committee to organise public hearing to find a lasting solution to issue of farmers herders conflict.
Senator Titus Zam of Benue North said the farmers herders problem had defied all security solutions, advising that Senate should enact an open gracing prohibition law saying this would deter open gracing and encourage ranching of cattles.
Senate having observed a minute silence for the departed souls in the communities , urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist affected communities with relief materials and other forms of support.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who described the herders invasion of communities as a national menace, said there should be an end to it, sympathized with Senator Isah- Echocho over killings in Omala Local Government Area.
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