Buhari Reveals What He Told Makinde Over Farmer-Herder Clashes

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday revealed what he told the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, when he visited over farmer-herder clashes.

The President noted that he told Governor Makinde during the visit to deploy local solutions to the clashes.

According to Buhari, he was visited by two Governors over the clashes but he advised them to address the break down of communication between the local leadership and the herders.

Buhari in an interview with Channels TV stated that herders and farmers have been living in harmony for generations, but wondered why the clash.

He said he told Makinde and the other governor to “go and ask the local leadership what has gone wrong, why the break in communication between the local leadership and the herders.”

The President also said traditional rulers must play a huge role in bringing peace to communities.

“For example, there were two Governors that came to see me about problems – Oyo state and one other state – because the herders were in their forests but the animals were going into the neighbouring farms, and eating the crops; I said, as far as I know, the farmers and herders have been co-existing in Nigeria for generations. Let them go and ask the local leadership what has gone wrong, why the break in communication between the local leadership and the herders.

“The role of traditional rulers must not be undermined, because in their areas they know who is who, even by families, not to even talk of individuals.

“So, we have to revert to that system for us to have effective security in the localities.”