The quest for absolute control of resource allocation has been identified as the major cause of the incessant upheavals between herders and farmers in Taraba State.
The member representing Takum I Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Abubakar Tonko, made the observations on Thursday while fielding questions from journalists in Wukari Local Government Council.
Tonko, who said his constituency, along with the Takum Local Government Council at large, is leaving no stone unturned to halt further breach of peace, is presently engaging the people of the various communities in the areas to complement the efforts of Governor Agbu Kefas.
Enumerating the numerous plans that have been fashioned out to herald the much-desired peace in the area, he affirmed that stakeholders are engaged “in conversations with all the conflicted areas and the actors involved.”
Tonko, who was of the view that the conflict “is basically agitation for resource allocation,” noted that “while farmers are looking for land to farm,” herders, too, “are looking for land to graze.”
Reeling out the measures being taken by the new administration to end killings in the area and the state at large, he avowed that incessant skirmishes between the two groups will soon be a thing of the past.
He added: “With the way this governor is going, we are expecting to see meaningful progress in the discussion around peace when it comes to the allocation of resources, especially land allocation.”
He also lauded the proactiveness of the governor, who, according to him, mobilised relief materials for the victims of the recent unrest that led to the wanton destruction of lives and properties.
“We appreciate the governor who heeded our call and provided relief materials to those displaced,” he stated.
He was also optimistic that the recently inaugurated 40 MW Kashimbilla Hydropower Station will create job opportunities, which will reduce youth restiveness in Taraba to the barest minimum.