Expert identifies cause of farmers-herders’ clashes in North Central

Benue monarchs proffer solution

Constant forensic psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Dr. Aishatu Armiyau, has identified ethnic profiling as a major factor responsible for the incessant farmers-herders clashes in the country.

Speaking, yesterday, at a roundtable on ‘Root Cause of Farmers-Herders’ Crises in North Central Nigeria’ organised by Charis Healthcare and Community Support Initiatives, Armiyau urged Nigerians to desist from ethnic profiling, thereby enhancing unity in the country.

The discussion focused on mental health, peace, gender and security.

Her words: “Let us endeavour to talk peace, see ourselves as human beings, brothers, sisters and as people before we go to any divide. The problem with us is this divide. We were once living in peace. Why are we now living in chaos?”

The Coordinator for Charis Healthcare and Community Support Initiative, Henry Ojenya, called on the public to desist from reacting to crises without sufficient information.

BUT Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers has proffered dialogue to tackle the farmers-herders crisis in the state.

The monarchs made the observation at a three-day training on mediation and negotiation organised by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), supported by the Federal Republic of Germany, and facilitated by the Clingendael Institute.

Participants were drawn from the three Benue senatorial districts, including first-class and second Class chiefs across the state.

In a communiqué at the end of the training in Abuja and signed by the Tor Tiv, James Ayatse; the Och’Idoma, Dr. John Elaigwu and 13 others at the weekend, the monarchs explained that negotiation is important in de-escalating violence.