NSCDC calls for alternative dispute resolution between farmers, herders in Osun
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State command has advocated for peaceful dispute resolution and co-existence among farmers, herdsmen and saw millers in the state.
Speaking on a television programme ‘The Defender’, the Head of Agro Rangers Unit of the NSCDC, Yaqeen Rafiu Olarenwaju noted that the common conflicts between herders/farmers is the control over land resources, hence the need for them to seek alternative dispute resolution.
Olarenwaju condemned the use of coercive effort in settling herders/farmers conflicts as it attracts no consequential positive outcome.
He stated the corps established the Agro Rangers Unit some couple of years ago, which according to him has helped in maintaining peaceful co-existence between aggrieved farmers and Fulani/Bororo herdsmen in no small measure.
He highlighted some of the benefits of mediating between the herders and farmers as outright eradication of bloody clashes, the accrual of financial compensation to the affected party, peaceful coexistence between the two parties and restoration of unity.
Olarenwaju said disputes does not happen between crop farmers and herdsmen alone. According to him, activities of sawmillers who deal in cutting trees in the bush and loggers also affect the crops of farmers.
He hinted that the newly established Agro Rangers Base Stations (ARBS) across the senatorial districts would bring the Agro Rangers personnel closer to Agro Allied stakeholders in the grassroots.
