Herdsmen/farmers’ clash: Unongo chides FG for sitting on the fence

By Daniel Agbo

Makurdi

Chairman, Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Wanteregh Paul Unongo has called on the federal government to take drastic measures to end the dispute between herdsmen and farmers across the country.
Wantaregh Unongo, who made the call yesterday at the monthly stakeholders meeting held in the Benue People’s House, Makurdi, expressed worry over laxity by the federal government in tackling the security problem posed as a result of continuous clashes between the herdsmen and farmers.
He chided the federal government for sitting on the fence, maintaining that the continuous silence over the matter was what allowed the crisis to linger resulting to wanton destruction of lives and property.
Unongo commended efforts by the Benue state government to end the clashes through the anti-open grazing law, saying it was the best way towards bringing peace between the two brothers.
“The law is the best way to bring peace and end the clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
“The governor is the chief security officer, he is also in charge of the land; therefore it is his responsibility to make laws that will protect citizens of the state,” he noted.
The elder statesman also urged the governor to sift out ghost workers from the civil service, adding that they have no business remaining on government’s payroll.