News
Four North Central States Loses $13.7bn To Farmers-Herdsmen Clash
BY MAIRIGA Juliana, Minna
Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has recalled loss of agricultural goods and services due to incessant clashes between Nigerian farmers and Fulani herdsmen, particularly in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna and Nasarawa states in the past one year to the tune of $13.7 billion.
“During the clashes, about 2, 500 lives were lost while about 62, 000 families were displaced in the four states”, General Abdulsalami said while addressing the opening of a one-day forum on Farmers-Herder relations in Nigeria which took place at Maizube Farm, along Minna-Bida road.
“With respect to economic impact, the federal government loses $13.7 billion annually as a result of farmer/herder conflicts in Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Plateau states. Averagely, these four states lost up to half (47%) of their internally generated revenue”, he said.
The former Military Head of State further explained that, “The hidden causes of the conflicts on every sphere of our national life are enormous and it has been estimated that, about 2, 500 persons were killed nationwide as a result of the clashes in 2016 alone”.
It was therefore imperative for all the three tiers of governments to guarantee security of lives and properties of Nigerians by putting in place appropriate policies and responses that would guard against future reoccurrence of farmers/herders clash across the country, he said.
General Abdulsalam expressed regrets that recent crises in Plateau, Benue and other states particularly in the north central region, leading to loss of lives, properties, displacement of persons and families, caused untold hardships to communities and individuals affected.
He therefore said, “This a wakeup call to all relevant stakeholders, states and federal government, legislatures, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, security agencies and communities on the need to address these deadly conflicts that are expanding gradually to other states in the federation”
“The current situation is threatening the fragile peace of the nation”, the former President said, arguing however that, farmers and herders have had beneficial and cordial relationship with minimal conflicts in the past and also had mechanisms of resolving them without resorting to destructive acts of violence against one another.
General Abdulsalam however regretted that it is surprising that the mutual trust between the two groups no longer exist, saying,
“There is a breakdown of communal trust, conflict resolution mechanisms thereby the conflicts have become deadly”.
He commended the, Search for Common Ground’ for its initiatives in collaborating with the, General Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies, Minna while expressing optimism that the forum would recommend sustainable solutions to bringing permanent solution to farmers/herders clashes in the country.
Project analyst, Search for Common Ground, Mr. Bukola Adeleye had earlier traced the cause (s) of farmers/herders clashes in Nigeria to what he termed, struggle for control of arable land and water in the affected areas.
Mr. Adeyeye who ruled out ethno-religious undertone to the incessant Fulani herdsmen and farmers clashes in Nigeria also expressed optimisms that there will always be a way out to build lasting peace among the two parties.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader