The Senate has urged the Federal Government to fund the establishment of modern ranches across the country to address the recurring herders-farmers crisis and enhance economic productivity.
The resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Anthony Yaro (Gombe South) on the recent bandit attacks in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, where suspected herders killed several residents, burned homes, and destroyed food supplies.
The attacks, which occurred on December 11, left villages including Sansani, Kalindi, Powishi, and Lawushi Daji in ruins, displacing scores of residents.
Senator Yaro lamented that the violence has disrupted lives and economic activities, threatening the peace of neighbouring states such as Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa.
Supporting the motion, Senator Seriake Dickson called for the immediate establishment of ranches, describing it as a lasting solution to the herders’ crisis.
“Ranching will modernise livestock management, reduce conflicts, and boost local economies,” he said.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole emphasised the need to define the boundaries of economic activities under the ECOWAS treaty, warning that open borders allow criminal elements to exploit Nigeria’s security vulnerabilities.
The Senate resolved to task the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director-General of the DSS with investigating the attacks and bringing perpetrators to justice.
It also called for the immediate deployment of a joint police and military task force to secure the affected areas.
Additionally, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, and the North East Development Commission were directed to provide relief materials to displaced victims.
The Senate further mandated its committees to monitor compliance with these resolutions and explore lasting solutions to regional insecurity.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the victims as the Senate reaffirmed its commitment to addressing insecurity and safeguarding the lives of all Nigerians.