Following reports of a spill-over of the crisis between Tiv Farmers and Fulani Herdsmen in neigbouring Benue State to border communities of Nasarawa State, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura on Tuesday, 21st June, 2011 presided over a joint meeting of the State Security Council, Traditional Rulers of Chiefdoms in Nasarawa State bordering Benue State and representatives of Fulani Herdsmen and Tiv Farmers at Government House, Lafia.

The meeting received briefs from various stakeholders and security agencies on efforts put in place towards restoring peace within the border communities with neigbouring Benue State.

The meeting extensively discussed the crisis and observed as follows:

1. That the actual situation was worsened by rumour peddlers/displaced persons who spread unfounded reports about the crisis;
2. That armed bandits, cattle rustlers and other criminals in the affected areas, took advantage of the unfortunate development to perpetrate their nefarious acts;
3. That the lack of proper demarcation of cattle routes and grazing reserves along the border belt also contributed to the crisis.

In order to sustain and improve on the present level of peace attained in the area, His Excellency Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has directed as follows:

1. That Traditional Rulers in affected communities should ensure regular meetings between Fulani Herdsmen and Tiv Farmers in their domains with a view to taking proactive measure to prevent any further relapse or escalation of the crisis;
2. That awareness Committees consisting of all Stakeholders in affected communities be constituted for the purpose of sensitizing and encouraging the people to remain in their domains and to also report strangers or suspicious movements to appropriate authorities.

Finally, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura wishes to assure the people of Nasarawa State of the commitment of his Administration to the protection of lives and property, at all times.

Samuel Wodi Jimba, Ph.D
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Information and Orientation
21st June, 2011