Jalingo: The Munga Dosso Community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba has appealed to the state government to ensure the strict enforcement of its anti-open grazing law. The community aims to address the ongoing conflict between herders and farmers in the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Robert Bukar, the Youth Leader of the community, made this appeal while briefing journalists in Jalingo. The call for enforcement comes in the wake of a recent attack on the Munga Dosso Community by suspected herders, which resulted in numerous casualties and the destruction of property worth millions of naira. Bukar highlighted that the anti-open grazing bill was signed into law by former Governor Darius Ishaku in 2018, emphasizing that its enforcement would help resolve the persistent farmers/herders conflict.
Bukar expressed disappointment over the lack of presence of government representatives in the community during the crisis. He noted that despite the community being left to fend for itself following the killing and mass burial of 12 of its members by suspected herders, no officials from federal, state, or local levels visited the affected area to offer condolences or support. The youth leader lamented the absence of solidarity from elected representatives, including a senator, a House of Representatives member, and a state assembly member.
Despite the state government sending relief materials to the victims, Bukar pointed out that what the community needed was not material aid but moral support and solidarity. He described the humanitarian crisis that followed the violence, which led to injuries, displacements, and increased insecurity. Access to essential resources has become challenging, further destabilizing the community.
Bukar also criticized the justice system, stating that while community members are often arrested, the perpetrators of violence go unpunished. He mentioned a recent incident where herders arrested with assault rifles were released the next day by the police in Karim-Lamido.
The youth leader urged the government to increase security deployment to allow farmers to return safely to their fields. He also called on the Taraba Government to ensure that the newly established administrative committee of enquiry conducts a thorough investigation to apprehend and punish those responsible for the recent attacks.
