The Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie today, 6th May, 2025 presided over a security briefing session in her office at the council headquarters in Abouchiche.
The security session became necessary to forestall any possible clash between the farmers and herdsmen as farmers intensify farming activities during this planting season. And also to deepen security working collaboration among security agencies, as well as building stronger synergies among security agencies and members of the public.
The meeting had in attendance heads and representatives of all the security agencies in Bekwarra LGA, some members of the local government executive council, the clan head of Ikaa- Ichia, the chief of Utugbo, the leadership and members of Hausa/ Fulani Community in Bekwarra LGA.
Others were: the councilor of Beten Ward, SA to the Chairman on Peace and Conflict Resolution, SA Revenue, youth president of Ikaa- ichia and youth representatives of Akpakpa,Utugbo and Abuana villages.
The chairman stressed that Bekwarra is a peaceful place and that the aim of the meeting is to build on the existing peace, while considering any gray areas possible of disrupting peace. In reaction, some members of the host communities expressed displeasure at the activities of some of the herders who allow their animals to wander freely into their farms and wrecking havoc on their crops. They lamented the attenant hardships caused by the destruction of their only sources of livelihood by the cattle and demanded for the revocation of their tenancy agreements.
In response, the leaders of the Hausa/Faluni communities expressed regret over the destruction of some farms by their animals. They appealed that they should be allowed to sound a lasting warning to their members while accepting to take full responsibility for all damages inflicted by their animal.
The security chiefs took turns to respond to the various complaints and advised the herders of the need to live at peace with their host communities, stressing that they must prioritize peace over anything else. And should do anything possible to prevent losing the trust of their hosts.
The chairman adjourned the meeting for a later day, and preached peace to both parties. She urged both the herders and their host communities to be their brothers keepers and should continue to live in harmony until a lasting solution is reached.
