Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa has appealed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to deploy more personnel to end herders and farmers clashes in the state.

The governor appealed during a visit to the NSCDC commandant-general, Ahmed Audi, on Thursday, according to the corps’ spokesperson, Olusola Odumosu.

Mr Namadi said the attacks on farmers by herders in the state over the years had affected farming.

The governor called on the corps to provide security for farmers in the affected areas to restore the confidence of citizens, particularly farmers.

“I want to passionately appeal to you to give us a squad or a team of your Agro Rangers who are well trained and specialised in dealing with the issue at hand,” he said.

He said the state contributed a lot to the nation’s food security, and the affected areas were major food producers to the state and Nigeria at large.

The governor commended the corps and its commandant general for their pivotal roles in the maintenance of internal security in the nation.

Responding, Mr Audi promised to deploy well-trained Agro Rangers personnel to the state to find lasting solutions to the problem.

“We have over 10,000 staff in the Agro Rangers department that are well trained to provide security and safety for farmers and other agro-allied products and investments in the nation.

“We have been getting intelligence reports on how bandits and kidnappers scare farmers, and since we have some reserve personnel for this kind of request, we will provide the service you need,” he assured.

Mr Audi assured that the corps would work tirelessly to end the security challenges facing the agricultural sector in the country.

He also said the corps, in the last two years, amicably resolved over 100 farmer/ herder clashes.

(NAN)