In a bid to address the recurrent clashes between the Agojeju Odo Community in Omala LGA and Fulani herdsmen, the Founder/CEO of the Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), Dr Arome Salifu has sued for peace and called on the state government to explore collaborative negotiations in ensuring calmness between the community and herders.
In a statement made available to the press in Lokoja on Thursday, the CEO of AYGF emphasized the urgent need for peace and stability.
He called on the government to facilitate and encourage dialogue between the Agojeju Odo community settlement and the Fulani herdsmen, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to find lasting solutions to the underlying issues causing the conflict, adding that mediation efforts by neutral parties could help foster understanding, reconciliation, and goodwill among the communities.
In addition, the astute development expert, called for increased security efforts in the affected areas by deploying more security personnel, including the police and military if necessary, to ensure the safety of individuals and their properties, discourage further violence, and restore confidence among the affected communities.
Furthermore, Dr Arome urged the government to invest in community-based security programs to empower local security groups or community policing initiatives that could enhance the security situation on the ground. These initiatives, he noted, should involve both the Agojeju Odo Community and the Fulani communities, fostering cooperation and mutual trust in safeguarding their shared spaces.
He maintained that addressing the Agojeju Odo/Fulani clashes requires a multi-faceted approach that focuses on peacebuilding, increased security options, community engagement, addressing root causes, and ensuring justice.
He reiterated that by implementing these measures, the government can work towards resolving the conflict and creating a more secure and harmonious environment for all involved.
