Herdsmen/farmers’ crisis: Presidency blames killings on climate change, politicians

The Presidency has appealed to all Nigerians and members of the international community to refrain from spreading false stories and inflammatory statements, on the recent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country.
It also blamed the crisis on the climate change, as well as politicians using some criminal elements to perpetuate crimes.
At different times, there are persistent killings in the states of Zamfara, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa and of late, Plateau, resulting from cattle rustling, banditry and farmers’ herders’ clashes since the APC-led government came on board in 2015.
There had been discordant tunes among top government functionaries on reasons for the orgy of violence.
For instance, at different times, President Mohammed Buhari, blamed the attacks on the Libyan-trained militia under the late dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, and politicians.
Similarly, top officials of his administration, including Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and InspectorGeneral of Police, Ibrahim Idris, also blamed the crises on the enactment of antiopen grazing laws in some states, and therefore called for the immediate abrogation.
But, in a statement yesterday, in Abuja, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, blamed the development yet on climate change.
He, however, said the federal government was working closely with state governments, agencies and international partners in order to resolve the lingering crises.
The statement reads in part: “The clashes between herders and farmers are historical.
The causes of these confrontations are varied and complex.
Climate change, specifically the drying up of the Chad Basin, has led to more pressure on the population in the North of Nigeria, which further compounded the problem.
“As President Buhari indicated lately, there is evidence of involvement of some politicians using criminals to perpetuate the killings.
Climate change is an issue of global significance and the Nigerian government is determined to continue working closely with its neighbours in order to ensure that a long-term solution can be implemented.
“The federal government makes no distinction amongst the population and works tirelessly to protect all Nigerian people.
We are strongest as a nation when we are united and it is through unity that we will overcome this challenge.” “The Presidency is appealing to all its citizens as well as members of the international community to refrain from spreading false stories and inflammatory statements concerning the recent herder-farmer clashes,” the statement further added.
Frowns at killing in South Africa In a related development, the Presidency yesterday expressed worry over the killing of another Nigerian, Mr Ozumba Tochukwutemporarily forfeited to the Federal government.
The judge therefore ruled that the applicant, having legitimately acquired the properties and having convinced the court in that regard, the two London properties cannot be forfeited to the federal government of Nigeria under any circumstances.
“The order of interim forfeiture that was made in this case in 2016 upon the ex-parte application of EFCC cannot override or supersede an order of final judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction.
“Consequently, I hereby uphold the orders of the High Court of the FCT and order the release of the properties.” Lawrence, in South Africa, The Nigeria’s mission, on Sunday, confirmed that Tochukwu-Lawrence was killed by unknown gunmen.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, convey the country’s displeasure over the development.
According to the Nigeria Consulate-General in South Africa, the dastardly act occurred at 10 Koppe, Middleburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa, on July 6.
He was reportedly shot six times by his assailant and died before reaching the hospital.
In a short text message sent to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, the Presidency described the killing as unfortunate.
She however said further enquiries over the development y should be directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“All enquiries should be directed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who has vowed to take decisive action with the new Foreign Affairs Minister in South Africa,” DabiriErewa said.
She also expressed disappointment over an early warning signal put in place by both ministries, which she said, had still not been implemented, lamenting that no fewer than 117 Nigerians lost their lives in various extrajudicially killings in South Africa between 2016 and 2018 for no just reason.