Northern CAN asks FG to address farmlands being destroyed by herders, among other organisations

The Federal Government has been urged to take urgent action against armed Fulani herdsmen who are destroying crops by grazing on farmlands or cutting off the product of farmers in some parts of the country, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which has members in 19 Northern states and Abuja.

The association called on the government to take drastic action against armed Fulani herders who go about destroying crops by grazing on farmlands or wickedly cutting off the crops, especially in Plateau, Benue Taraba states, Southern Kaduna, and other areas of the country, in a communique issued at the conclusion of a meeting in Kaduna and signed by Chaplain Gilbert Jechonia, Public Relations Officer (PRO).

It commended security agencies for their efforts in battling insurgency and banditry, which have harmed the nation’s economy. It also urged the Federal Government to keep enabling and assisting security services so they can defeat criminals.

It went on to say that the attacks had led to widespread hunger and poverty in the country, with many Nigerians barely managing to make ends meet. It was regrettable that many businesses had failed as a result of the difficult economic condition in the nation, and that unemployment had driven many young people into crime.

The association urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 36 governors to uphold the expectations of Nigerians by ensuring that the economic and social issues plaguing the nation are addressed. They also urged them to run an inclusive government and make sure that development projects are distributed fairly to give every region of the nation or state a sense of belonging.

The President ought to take immediate action to alleviate the food issue, it continued, since “Nigerians are suffering as a result of the removal of Petrol Subsidy.” The cost of food, transportation, and other necessities has increased to a point where many of the poor masses are no longer able to afford them, making life a living hell. Everyday price increases are occurring.

The meeting encouraged the administration to take more practical and realistic ways to solve the issue rather than adopting the ad hoc strategy that will only benefit a select few people with regard to the provision of palliatives.