The Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has cautioned that the use of military might be considered in the bid to end herdsmen and farmers faceoff that has claimed many lives in some states in Nigeria.
He gave the warning on Tuesday in his office in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, when the Chief of Army Staff’s Task Force on herdsmen and farmers crisis paid him a visit.
Governor Ajimobi, however, noted that the crisis could be reduced and consequently conquered by active collaboration of local communities, local governments and states under the coordination of the Federal Government instead of allowing the army take control of such areas.
The leader of the team, Major General Edward Nze, had earlier told Governor Ajimobi that the Chief of Defence Staff was setting up an operation code named “Operation Accord” to nip the crisis in the bud.
Major General Nze further noted that self-help, which may result in carrying of arms and forming local vigilantes against groups involved, has been outlawed even as the military prepares to take over in affected areas.
Before the meeting, the Oyo State Police Commissioner, Adeleye Oyebade, led the team to one of the flash points in the State.
At the Agbanda village in Oriire Local Government Area in the suburbs of Ogbomosho Town, Major General Nze and Mr Oyebade addressed the people yet again but not before hearing their sides of the story.
Having listened to all sides, the riot act was read to them with clear instructions on what is expected of them for peaceful coexistence.
According to the task force leader, efforts are on to commence Operation Accord which in his view will put an end to herdsmen and farmers dispute across Nigeria.