Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has pointed to the proliferation of light arms in the country as a significant factor exacerbating the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria. He emphasised the urgent need to address this issue as fundamental to achieving lasting peace and stability in the nation.
Speaking at the “National Conference on the Management of Farmer-Herder Relations in Nigeria: Creating a Path to Sustainable Peace” held in Abuja on Tuesday, Ochogwu, represented by Dr. Emmanuel Mamman, highlighted the detrimental impact of the widespread availability of weapons in escalating the level of violence and complicating efforts for peaceful resolution.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between national security agencies and local communities to effectively tackle the proliferation of arms, citing that such cooperation is vital for achieving lasting peace and stability.
Ochogwu also acknowledged other contributing factors to the conflicts, including climate change and misinformation, which have intensified tensions between farmers and herders in the country. He underscored the significance of disseminating accurate information and fostering a culture of mutual understanding and tolerance among Nigerian citizens to counter false narratives that fuel ethnic and religious tensions.
The IPCR Director General emphasised the need to address underlying ethno-religious tensions and build bridges between different communities as crucial measures to mitigate conflicts and foster a harmonious society.
In attendance was Mr. Baba Ngelzarma, the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), represented by Adamu Toro, who expressed concerns about substantial land loss to desertification in the Sahel region. He urged the government to take decisive actions in addressing this environmental challenge.