The Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, today inaugurated a committee, with membership from both Ministries and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps with a view to creating a special unit within the Civil Defense that would secure agricultural investments and assets across the Country, as part of government’s effort to ease the procedure of doing business.
In their submissions, both Ministers reemphasized the need to create an enabling environment for the development of Agriculture in the Country, through reassuring investors that their investments are safe from unwholesome activities of criminals and bandits, prevent attacks by rustlers and miscreants and reduce or eliminate conflicts between herders and sedentary farmers.
This strategy they observed will help in assisting the Police and other security agencies already deployed to communities with incidences of farmers/herders clashes, reverse the ugly trends.
Dambazau emphasized the need to collaborate and partner with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in order to create synergy for effective and efficient use of resources.
In another development the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Chief Samuel Ortom paid a courtesy visit on the Interior Minister.
In his brief interview with the press, the visiting Governor advised the media to refrain from exaggerating the security situation in his State, particularly the conflict involving herders and farmers and that the security agencies are on top of the situation.
He also noted that there are criminal elements within both groups, and his government will do everything possible to deal with the situation. Furthermore, he reiterates the need for Benue State and the federal government to work closely in dealing with such security issues.
OSAIGBOVO EHISIENMEN
Press Secretary to the Honourable Minister of Interior
July 12, 2016
