Farmer-herder crisis: Cooperative to establish ranches in 774 LGs

The National Agricultural Mechanisation Cooperative of Nigeria (NAMCON) has disclosed plans to establish cattle ranches in the 774 local governments across Nigeria.

According to the National President of the cooperative, NAMCON, Dr Aliyu Waziri, the move is part of sustained efforts to modernise livestock production in the country, bolster value-addition and address the persistent clashes between farmers and herders.

Interacting with journalists in Kaduna yesterday, Waziri said the ranches would be provided with adequate animal feeds, mega dams and an array of features of world-class equipment, thereby ensuring herders and their livestock have no cause to migrate in search of water and food.

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He added that the ranches would be adequately equipped with clinics, western and Islamic schools and other necessary infrastructure.

Waziri said, “These ranches will be fully equipped for both rainy and dry season farming activities for the sustained production of food as this is very crucial to boosting food security, jobs creation, poverty eradication and jerking off Nigeria’s foreign reserves.”

According to the national president, the ranches will also have plantations of various economic trees like mango, guava and cashew, among others saying, “The gesture will also greatly help in combating the recurring herder-farmer clashes in the country.”

He maintained that the goal of the cooperative is to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector through mechanization and empowerment programs.

He recalled that in November 2021, NAMCON empowered 15 million farmers, especially women and young people, on farm mechanisation.

He then urged the government to maximize the agricultural sector’s hidden potential to address unemployment and food security.

Farmer-herder crisis: Cooperative to establish ranches in 774 LGs

Again, Northern elders ask FG to suspend tax reform bills

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has again raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, urging immediate suspension of the implementation and calling for extensive dialogue with stakeholders.

The forum criticized the government for failing to engage critical stakeholders and experts before drafting the reforms.

NEF expressed its position in a statement on Saturday signed by its Chairman of Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash, highlighting the reforms’ potential adverse effects on Northern Nigeria and the nation as a whole.

Daggash said: “Once again, it is necessary to reiterate, that indeed, Nigerians in general and Northerners in particular, are not really against the introduction of any form of good and meaningful reforms by those in positions of authority, at the federal, state or local government levels.

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“Even though, we shall remain very implacable in reaffirming that, our practical experiences teach us, that, going by global best practices, successful reforms are known to be underpinned by strict adherence to certain common cardinal characteristics of the public policy-making process.

“For convenience of exposition, these similarities include, but, not limited to the under listed basic essentials: Extensive pre-reforms early engagements with experts and critical stakeholders, in order to secure their buy-in

“Establishing a very well-defined media/communication strategy, that clearly articulates the full import of the reforms and disseminates public awareness and mass enlightenment on a nationwide scale.

“Designing a robust, transparent and inclusive implementation mechanism. Pro-actively putting in place a well-sequenced process, in order to ensure that the meticulously planned reforms, really meet the society’s desired and anticipated outcomes.

“The Northern Elders’ Forum make bold to say that the recently proposed Tax Reform Bills by the Federal Government, were clearly in the breach, with regards to adhering to the above listed common characteristics of reforms and public policy-making process, all over the world and in conformity with the global best practices.”

Again, Northern elders ask FG to suspend tax reform bills

Police arrest 17 for killing suspected wizard, rescue kidnap victims

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued four kidnapped hostages and arrested 17 persons for the murder of an alleged wizard in two separate operations in Imo and Ebonyi states respectively.

Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, January 5.

Adejobi said police operatives attached to the Imo State Command successfully executed a daring rescue operation that led to the safe liberation of four kidnapped hostages.

He said the operation was carried out on Saturday, January 4, after the operatives received a distress call reporting the abduction of four persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State.

“The police operatives swiftly swung into action, locating the criminal hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun-duel, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralised.

“The success of the operation led to the rescue of the four victims and the recovery of one Ak-47 rifle, one Ak-47 magazine and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition,” the statement reads in part.

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Adejobi reaffirmed the NPF’s resolute devotion to combating heinous crimes such as the abduction and assured members of the public that efforts to rid off criminal elements from the society would continue relentlessly, ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

Meanwhile, on January 3, police operatives attached to the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo LGA for the murder of one Uromchi Okorocha, who was accused by local youths of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means.

Adejobi said the suspects had mobilised and apprehended the deceased, but rather than handing him over to legal authorities and committing to the rule of law, they decided to take laws into their hands, becoming judge, jury and executioner.

He said police operatives attached to Uwanna Division mobilised tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission but the angry mob had already killed and burned Okorocha before the arrival of the police team.

Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun condemned this act of jungle justice in totality.

“Citizens are once again urged to refrain from taking laws into their hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action.

“The efforts of the police are constant reaffirmations of the dedication to bring to book perpetrators of heinous acts of crime in our societies.

“The IGP once again reiterates the unwavering commitment of the force to public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes.

“Citizens are encouraged to engage with security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ultimate goal of creating a utopian society for all,” the FPRO said.

Police arrest 17 for killing suspected wizard, rescue kidnap victims