The challenge of farmers-herders clashes took another step after a Fulani herdsman allegedly chopped off the hand of a young farmer in Ikoyi, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi state.
The young man whose name is yet to be ascertained by our reporters also sustained various degrees of matchet cuts as a result of the attack.
Trouble erupted when the herdsman attacked the young farmer at his farm as the development sparked reaction from residents with fear of possible reprisal attack.
Investigation by our reporters also revealed that the victim is currently in an undisclosed hospital in Kabba receiving treatment.
A video of the young farmer receiving treatment in the hospital is presently trending on social media.
In a swift reaction, the Chairman of Ijumu local government, Alhai Haruna Ibrahim convened an extraordinary security meeting to address farmer-herders crisis on Monday.
The security meeting held at the LGA secretariat in Iyara brought together key security officials, including representatives from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Joint Task Force (JTF), Kogi State Vigilante Service Corps (KSVSC) as well as community leaders, representative of the traditional council, leaders of Fulani, Gbagi and Tiv communities.
The Chairman promised to intensify ongoing investigation, arrest and ensure due prosecution of those involved in the unfortunate incident.
The extraordinary assembly also sought to strategize on preventing further conflicts, ensuring community safety, and promoting peaceful coexistence.
As part of the agreed resolutions, the local government council directed that all herders in Ijumu are required to register with the local government and obtain identification cards, with non-compliance subject to a 2 million Naira fine.
Also, grazing is now restricted to 6 am to 6 pm, with violations carrying a penalty of 1 million Naira. Herders below the age of 18 are no longer permitted within the LGA. Penalty fee of 1 million naira attached.
