By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Edo State government has said it would commit one percent of its monthly allocation from federal government to support payment of stipends to vigilantes in the state.
This, according to Governor Godwin Obaseki, is part of its efforts to find a lasting solution to the clashes between farmers and herders in the state and show appreciation to those checkmating the herders’ crisis.
At a stakeholders meeting convened by him, Governor Obaseki constituted a technical committee on the matter, giving the panel two weeks to look into the worrisome issue and identify possible means of tackling it.
Mr Obaseki, who identified the need for better information gathering for vigilantes, revealed that a team from the Inspector General of Police had been to Edo State in line with plans to commence community policing in the state.
Speaking on behalf of Sarkin Fulani, Mr Saleh Badamosi, alleged that some traditional rulers collect money from herders to graze in their communities, hence, tensions arise when the herders are asked to leave the areas.
“The governor should work closer with the traditional rulers. The cattle breeders pay the traditional rulers to graze in some communities. So, when the farmers drive them away, they will not go.”
The traditional leaders in attendance advocated that government pay vigilantes regular allowances and support them with equipment to make their work easy.
Those in attendance at the meeting held at the Government House, Benin City, included farmers, herders, traditional rulers and security agencies.
Adedapo Adesanya