By Suleiman Anyalewechi
In a bid to stem the festering crisis between farmers and herders, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced an engagement process with all the warring parties.
This is just as the Command warned that it will not spare anyone ,no matter how highly placed, who jeopardizes the peace and security of the state
A statement issued on Thursday, January 23, 2025 by the Command’s Spokesperson Timfon John, informed that the Commissioner of Police, CP, Baba Mohammed Azare, on Wednesday January 22, held a crucial round table with representatives of Cattle dealers and Farmers Association in the State.
The stakeholders meeting, according to the statement, was to address the escalating tension arising from the frosty relationship between herders and farmers.
At the meeting, CP Azare underscored the critical importance of fostering peaceful relations between farmers and cattle rearers, and urged both parties to work towards a peaceful resolution of any differences in the overall interest of Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner expressed serious concern over the persistent conflicts between farmers and herders which he noted have resulted in avoidable violence and its attendant destruction of lives and properties.
He warned that the police will no longer tolerate such wanton and reckless violence and its destructive effects on the innocent residents of the State.
CP Azare expressed the readiness of the police to deal decisively with individuals or groups discovered to be promoting crisis and violence in the state under any guise .
“The Police will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute individuals who engage in violence. No one, whether farmers or cattle rearers, would be allowed to jeopardize the safety of the Communities in the State.
“The Police strongly oppose situations where criminals enter cattle farms, shoot the animals, or steal them .
“The anti-grazing Committee, includes some members of the Fulani community who assist the Police in tracking down suspects and making arrests.
“We, therefore, urge farmers to report any incidents where cows enter their farms for grazing to the police promptly, rather than taking the law into their own own hands” the CP cautioned .
He appealed to the representatives of both sides and other stakeholders to take the message of peace to their respective communities.
He advised them on the need to adequately inform their respective constituents about the unflinching resolve of the Police to take decisive actions against anyone out to disturb the peace and security being enjoyed in the State.
“We cannot afford to let lives be lost over matters that can be settled peacefully. The police will not tolerate any form of destruction of property, and anyone caught damaging peoples property will face the full weight of the law” CP Azare warned .
Responding, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Cattle Dealers Association, Mohammed Mijinyawa, appreciated the CP for displaying astute leadership qualities by affording them the opportunity to engage with one another.
He assured of the unalloyed cooperation of the cattle dealers in any efforts towards a sustainable peace in the state.
He also assured that his members are committed towards a peaceful coexistence,vowing to educate his members on the need to avoid any provocative acts in the course of rearing their cattles .
The leader of the Cattle dealers similarly promised that all future disagreements will be reported to the Police rather than resorting to self help.
Mrs Rosemary Ubia, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Agriculture, commended the CP for organizing the parley and pledged to convey the message of hope and peace to the farmers in the state.
She also assured of the commitment of farmers in the state towards the pursuit of peace and peaceful resolution of any differences.
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