In a bid to check and curb Farmers-Herders clashes, The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State has inaugurated the Agro-Ranger Squad.

During the inauguration in Oyo state, the NSCDC Commandant, Iskilu Akinsanya stated that the Agro ranger squad had undergone three months of rigorous training at its college in Kastina so as to be able to combat incessant farmers-herders clashes.

He expressed his gratitude to the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Abdullahi Muhammadu, for giving the state the opportunity to have the special division to put an end to the heated rift between farmers and herders in the state.

“Nigeria had witnessed deadly attacks between farmers and herdsmen, especially in Benue, Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna, among others.

“The attacks in the last three years resulted in the loss of lives and farm investments worth billions of naira, thereby threatening the country’s food sufficiency.

Akinsanya further announced that members of the squad made up of 100 officers in the state were special operation troops specialised in counter-terrorism and unconventional warfare.

“These Agro Rangers are specially trained to combat kidnapping, banditry and all sorts of criminal acts,” Akinsanya said.

The commandant disclosed that the rangers would be deployed to all silos in the state and Oyo North Senatorial District where herdsmen and farmers clashes were prevalent.

He also revealed that the squad would also tackle the fast-rising problem of illegal deforestation and illegal mining in the state.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA