Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday met with some northern leaders as part of Federal Government’s efforts aimed at ending the incessant farmers, cattle rearers’ clashes in parts of the country.
Among those who attended the meeting held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja were the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Musdafa; and elder statesman Alhaji Ahmed Joda, among other leaders of the Fulani communities.
Those who attended the meeting did not speak with State House correspondents.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, however, in statement described the meeting as the first in a series of national consultations with all relevant groups designed to find a lasting solution to the farmers-herders’ conflict in parts of the country.
Akande said having met with leaders of the Fulani communities, Osinbajo would focus on other interest groups in subsequent meetings.
He disclosed that at the meeting, previous reports on the conflict were presented by the delegation and causes of the conflict were analysed.
He said the meeting condemned the killing of children and women and highlighted the need for law enforcement and other government’s agencies to perform their constitutional roles.
Akande quoted the Vice-President as assuring the delegation of the Federal Government’s resolve and commitment to the entrenchment of lasting peace in all communities across the country and the resolution of all legitimate grievances.
“There is nothing much more important now in showing our leadership beyond preventing tragedy and destruction of everything we have built as a nation.
“The entire Nigeria enterprise is bigger than other interests. The overall objective is ensuring that our nation is not enveloped by another crisis.
“We now have an opportunity to do something. We have the opportunity to resolve the issues and to build a nation, where we and our children can live in peace,” Osinbajo reportedly said.
Akande added that following the Vice-President’s visit to Adamawa State last week, food items had been distributed to all the victims in the affected communities.
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