A university don and head of the department of Journalism, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Associate Prof Santas Tsegyu has identified improved awareness and enlightenment campaign among Nigerians aimed at educating them on the values of various initiatives conceived by government to solve the perennial farmer-herder conflict in the country.
Speaking as one of the panelists at a national conference held at Shehu Musa Yar’Dua Centre in Abuja organized by
Leadership Hub, Justice and Economic Advancement.
The senior academic identified key factors responsible for the perennial conflict.
Associate Prof Santas, who spoke on arms proliferation an insecurity in the middle belt and beyond noted that compromised or porous borders is one of the causes of perennial conflicts between herders and farmers in Nigeria.
He observed that most Nigerian borders are carelessly guided, noting that most of the crises at hand are imported from the neighbouring countries, such as Libya and other crises- ridden countries, escalating the tension profoundly.
The scholar equally believes population explosion across many communities, that is stretching available resources beyond point of breaking is another contributing factor.
According to him, “the over population or what we called population explosion that we are currently experiencing now is actually stretching economic resources that are so meager and not evenly distributed, which is also causing a lot of problems excercabating the conflict.”
He said “we have seen how communities rejected government policies such as RUGA that was introduced by the previous administration as well as anti- grazing that was implemented.”
Associate Prof Santas observed that despite the various efforts towards addressing the concerns and fear expressed by people, it appears that government didn’t do its due diligence to enlighten and educate members of the public, therefore, media has a duty to ensure that Nigerians are well informed, which is where media functions lie.
The scholar emphasized that the farmer-herder debacle requires a multi- sectoral approach, but media should come on board with a view to educating members of the public on how to find lasting solution to it in Nigeria.
The organiser of the national dialogue- LJE is a Nigerian movement with a progressive internationalist outlook, committed to engaging with global progressive movements with its contribution in the national and international struggle against global imperialism, leadership deficits, justice system reforms, and economic advancement.
The theme of the discussion is securing Nigeria’s future: addressing the root cause of herdsmen- farmer conflict through justice and inclusive dialogue.
