Kogi State has been grappling with escalating insecurity, particularly in the eastern part of the state. Omala Local Government Area (LGA), which is part of Kogi East Senatorial District, has been severely affected by recurrent attacks attributed to armed Fulani herdsmen.
Recent Developments in Omala LGA
On April 4, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji, and Bagana communities within Omala LGA. Over 100 armed militias suspected to be herdsmen launched a coordinated attack, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 villagers, including women and children. The assailants also destroyed farmlands, leaving approximately 30,000 residents displaced and homeless.
Earlier, on January 30, 2024, a similar attack occurred in Agojeju-Odo, where over 150 armed herdsmen killed some individuals, including a sick woman in a local clinic. These incidents have instilled widespread fear among the local population, with many fleeing to neighboring communities for safety .
Some Underlying Causes of the lingering Insecurity:
The persistent cases of insecurity in Omala LGA can be attributed to several interrelated factors:
✓ Resource Competition and encroachment: Conflicts between farmers and herders over farmland and water resources have intensified, exacerbated by population growth and climate change. Herders now go through any part even trampling and feasting on farm produce before getting to nearby streams or rivers.
Migration Patterns: The influx of Fulani herders from other regions, including those displaced by insurgencies, has increased pressure on local resources.
Weak Security Presence: Limited and often inadequate security measures have failed to deter attacks or provide protection to vulnerable communities.
Cultural and Ethnic Tensions: Historical grievances and mistrust between different ethnic groups have fueled animosities and hindered peaceful coexistence.
✓ Proposed Solutions to Address Insecurity
To effectively address the ongoing insecurity in Kogi State, particularly in Omala LGA, a multifaceted approach is necessary:
1. *Enhanced Security Measures:*
Deployment of Specialized Units: Establish specialized security units trained to handle herder-farmer conflicts.
Community Policing: Strengthen community policing initiatives to foster trust and improve intelligence gathering. In the northern Nigeria for instance, where I have worked closely for years, The JTF group which include farmers, hunters vigilantes, police, soldiers, immigration officers, civil defence officers and lots more; neutralise these invaders and also prevent series of attack. What we hear on the news would have been worse if not for the intervention of these JTF group.
2. *Implementation of the Ruga Policy:*
Establishment of Ruga Settlements: Develop designated settlements for herders to reduce open grazing and mitigate conflicts .
Provision of Support Services: Offer veterinary care, education, and healthcare services within these settlements to improve the welfare of herders.
3. *Promotion of Alternative Livelihoods:*
Agricultural Support: Provide training and resources to farmers to enhance productivity and reduce dependency on land.
Vocational Training: Offer vocational training programs to both farmers and herders to diversify income sources and reduce tensions.
4. *Legislative and Policy Interventions:*
Enforcement of Grazing Laws: Implement and enforce laws that regulate grazing practices and prevent encroachment on farmlands.
Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Establish local conflict resolution committees to address disputes before they escalate into violence.
5. *Infrastructure Development:*
Improvement of Rural Infrastructure: Invest in roads, water supply, and healthcare facilities to enhance the resilience of rural communities.
Rehabilitation of Displaced Communities:
* Provide support for the rebuilding of communities affected by the attacks; this includes providing them with relief materials, partnering with international communities and donors if possible – (I can provide further guidance on this if needed)
Thank you for reading!
