The Senate on Tuesday urged the federal governmemt to fund the establishment of modern ranches across the country to enhance safety and economic productivity for both herders and local residents.
The red chamber also resolved to pass a Bill that would define the limits of economic activities under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) treaty on free movement across borders.
The resolutions of the Senate followed its adoption and consideration of a motion titled: “Urgent need to address incessant banditry attacks/killings and displacement of innocent Nigerians in some villages at Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.”
The motion was moved by Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (Gombe South).
Senator Yaro in his lead debate called for urgent action to address recurring bandits’ attacks in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, following the killing of several residents and widespread destruction of property by suspected herders on December 11, 2024.
He decried the attacks on villages including Sansani, Kalindi, Powishi, and Lawushi Daji, where armed assailants allegedly killed residents, burned houses, and destroyed food supplies and livestock, leaving scores of people displaced.
Senator Yaro cited Sections 33 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to life and freedom of movement for all Nigerians, emphasising that the government has a primary obligation to protect its citizens’ lives and property.
According to him, the attacks have not only destabilized the affected communities but also threatened the peace of neighbouring states such as Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa.
Additionally, he said that the violence has disrupted food sufficiency and major economic activities in the region.
After approving the prayers of the motion, the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honor of the deceased victims.
It also urged the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the attacks, arrest the perpetrators, and prosecute them.
It also called for the urgent establishment of a joint police and military taskforce in Billiri Local Government Area to prevent further killings.
It further requested the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Northeast Development Commission to provide relief materials to the displaced victims and mandated the Senate Committees on Legislative Compliance, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to ensure compliance with its resolutions and to develop lasting solutions to the insecurity in the area.
Senator Seriake Dickson in is contribution to the debate, advocated for the establishment of modern ranches funded by the federal government across the country.
He argued that such facilities would enhance safety and economic productivity for both herders and local residents.
The Senator urged a comprehensive approach, involving key government agencies, to develop a proposal for implementing the ranch initiative across the country.
Highlighting the economic plight of herdsmen who trek long distances from Sokoto to Lagos or Bayelsa, he described ranching as a legitimate business opportunity that could address their challenges and boost local economies.
Dickson emphasised the importance of tackling the root causes of the herdsmen crisis, citing the recurring nature of conflicts and the need for a sustainable solution.
He stressed that the initiative could transform livestock management in Nigeria, promoting peace and fostering economic development nationwide.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole in his contribution, reminded his colleagues of the Senate’s prior agreement to hold a national public hearing to explore legislative solutions for addressing security challenges tied to economic activities and movement.
He emphasised the importance of enacting a law that clearly defines the boundaries of individual rights, ensuring that one person’s rights do not infringe on those of others.
The former Governor of Edo State expressed concern about criminal activities perpetrated by individuals entering Nigeria under the ECOWAS framework, stressing the need for stricter regulations to curb such incidents.
The Senator called for swift action to create laws that would regulate movement and economic activities, safeguarding the rights and safety of Nigerians.
