The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening security for farmers, herders and livestock producers as part of efforts to safeguard food production and rural stability.
The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo during a stakeholders’ meeting convened to address rising concerns over farmer–herder conflict and cattle rustling across the State at the Department of Veterinary Services, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta, on Monday.
The Commissioner described the situation as a growing threat to agricultural productivity, community peace and the livelihoods of thousands of citizens, stressing that the state can no longer afford to ignore the challenges, as both crop and livestock farming remained vital contributors to food security, job creation and industrial growth in Ogun State.
Owotomo highlighted the establishment of the Farmers–Herders Conflict Resolution Committee as one of the government’s major interventions to promote peace between the two groups, emphasising that the committee has been instrumental in handling disputes swiftly, verifying losses, sensitising communities, gathering data and rebuilding trust among stakeholders.
He added that plans were underway to decentralise the committee’s activities to local governments and communities for greater efficiency, noting that the dry season was a period often associated with increased tensions over grazing routes and access to water, saying further that the state remained committed to fostering peaceful coexistence and ensuring that neither farmers nor herders suffer insecurity or deprivation.
He said, “The state government stands firm in its resolve to protect farmers, support herders, enhance security and sustain peace across our communities.”
He urged participants at the meeting to engage constructively, share their experiences and propose sustainable strategies to prevent conflicts as meaningful contributions from all sides were essential to building a more secured and productive agricultural environment.
Also speaking, Director Veterinary Services, Dr Taiwo Jolaoso said the meeting brought together key actors that included trade unions, professional bodies, security agencies and academia to discuss issues affecting food production, livestock management in order to prevent and resolve conflicts, improve communication and build trust among farmers and herders.
In their separate remarks, Chairman, Farmers -Herders Conflict Resolution Committee, Segun Dasaolu, Seriki Fulani of Abeokuta, Mohammed Labar; and the Chairman, Cassava Growers Association, Ogun State Chapter, Oladele Awoleri unanimously agreed that all hands must be on deck to achieve and sustain the committee’s objectives.