The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to fund the establishment of modern ranches across the country, aiming to improve safety and boost economic productivity for herders and local communities.
This resolution was reached during Tuesday’s plenary following a motion by Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (Gombe South) concerning recent banditry attacks in Billiri Local Government Area, Gombe State. The attacks, reportedly carried out by suspected herders, resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of numerous residents.
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Senator Yaro emphasized the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, underscoring the devastating impact of such violence on local communities.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) advocated for ranching as a long-term solution to the recurring conflicts between herders and local communities. He called for collaboration between relevant government ministries and Senate committees to develop a nationwide framework for ranching.
In a related contribution, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) urged the Senate to revisit its earlier resolution to hold a public hearing addressing security and economic challenges within the ECOWAS framework.
During the session, the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honor of the victims of the Gombe attacks. It also called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the violence. Additionally, the Senate recommended providing relief to displaced persons and deploying a joint task force to prevent future attacks.
Presiding over the plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that the Senate would maintain legislative oversight to ensure sustainable solutions to the issues of insecurity and displacement.