Following his visit to Adamawa State on the 5th of December 2017 in
the wake of the communal clashes in the area, Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo, SAN, yesterday, Monday, 11th December 2017, commenced a series
of national consultations with all relevant groups designed to find a
lasting solution to the farmers-herders conflict in parts of the
country.
The first meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and had in
attendance the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; the Lamido of Adamawa,
Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa; elder statesman, Mallam Ahmed Joda;
and other leaders of the Fulani communities. Subsequent meetings would
focus on other interest groups.
At the meeting, previous reports on the conflict were presented by
the delegation and causes of the conflict were analysed. The meeting
unequivocally condemned the acts of violence that has occurred,
especially the killing of children and women, and highlighted the need
for Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies to dutifully and
objectively perform their Constitutional roles.
The Vice President assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s
resolve and commitment to the entrenchment of lasting peace in all
communities across the country and the resolution of all legitimate
grievances.
He said “There is nothing much more important now, in showing our
leadership, beyond preventing tragedy and destruction of everything we
have built as a nation. The entire Nigeria enterprise is bigger than
other interests. The overall objective is ensuring that our nation is
not enveloped by another crisis.”
According to the Vice President, “We now have an opportunity to do
something. We have the opportunity to resolve the issues and to build a
nation where we and our children can live in peace.”
Already, following the Vice President’s visit to Adamawa State last
week, several food items and relief materials have been distributed to
all the affected communities in the State, including Shafaron, Kodomti,
Tullum, Mzoruwe and Mararraban Bare in Numan Local Government Area.
Others communities that have received relief materials are Dong, Lawaru
and Kukumso in Demsa Local Government Area of the State.
In the next series of meetings, the Vice President will meet with the
Batta, Bachama and other groups from Adamawa State; while meetings with
stakeholders from other conflict-affected States would follow.
Also at the meeting were Secretary to the Government of the
Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, and the Minister of the Federal Capital
Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello.