Security: Osun moves to register herders

From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
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As part of efforts to curb crimes, the Osun State Government has stressed the need for proper data collection and registration of herders living in the state.

The state governor, Gboyega Oyetola disclosed this while playing host to the leadership of the Osun State Cow Dealers Association; Members of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and the leadership of the Fulani/Bororo in his office.

Oyetola said the data collection would help to reflect the true demographic composition in order to know, identify, assess and evaluate the number of non-citizens living in the state.

The governor said the registration will enable security agencies know and separate genuine immigrants from illegitimate ones whenever there is discovery of misconduct.

While describing the state as one of the safest states in the country, he said his government would continue to maintain and sustain the atmosphere of relative peace and harmonious relationship between the herdsmen and farmers.

He said the government would continue to intensify efforts to strengthen the existing bond among the relevant authorities in order to forestall kidnappings and banditry.

Oyetola, who described peace as a necessity, said the state under his watch would do everything to enhance peaceful co-existence among the people.

He implored the leadership of the Fulanis/herders to keep an “eagle eye” on the illegal influx of people into the state and report strange movement to the security agencies.

“It is our belief that this initiative would help to know who and who is living in the state and take control of any strange happening.”

Responding, the Chairman, intermediary committee between farmers and herdsmen, Mr Togun Oguntola assured that necessary action would be taken to register herders in the state and as well ensure that peace reigns.