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Taraba State Government has attributed over 80% of the cases of destruction of farmlands, rape, cattle rustling and communal clashes in some Communities of the State particularly that of Ardo Kola, Karim Lamido, Lau, and Kurmi Local Government Areas to the activities of invading herdsmen.

This was revealed to Journalists by Chief of Staff Government House, Hon. Rebo Usman on Monday night shortly after an emergency meeting with Taraba State Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Muslim Council and Heads of Security Agencies in the State at the Exco Chambers Government House Jalingo.

He said the unprecedented influx of Herdsmen into the State in search of grazing land calls for prompt security response and apt vigilance on part of the Government, the Governed and undiluted information to the security apparatuses that are in the State.

The Chief of Staff stated that, it has been established that most of Herdsmen trooping into the State are on the invitation of some personalities within the State and stressed that Government has vowed to deal decisively with anyone found to be aiding the Herdsmen that have caused untold hardship to the people of the State.

Hon. Rebo Usman maintained that Taraba State Government has put in relentless efforts to achieve the level of peace being enjoyed in the State before the ugly resurgence of herdsmen invading Communities and taking lives, destroying property and depriving people from going about their normal daily activities as witnessed in these few days.

Accordingly, the Chief of Staff posited that Government is conscious of her responsibility of providing security and the protection lives of all citizens and those residents in the State and that workable avenues would be fashioned out with a view to providing conducive environment for farmers and grazers that are willing to collaborate with Government for peace to reign in the State.

Speaking on the agreement recently reached between Taraba and Benue States on the introduction of Ranching in the two States, Hon. Rebo Usman explained that the two Governors were categorical in their resolve to introduce Ranching.

He stressed that a process has been initiated in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, to go into grass farming aimed at reducing friction and constant clashes between farmers and grazers, and as well create a market where farmers and grazers will interact regularly in the areas of farming and selling of improved grasses.

He appealed to those who are responsible for the influx of the Herdsmen in the State to desist forthwith as Government is no longer ready to condone any activity that will impact negatively on her citizens and called on all Tarabans to rally round Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku by putting all hands on deck and collectively say no to activities that would lead to destruction of peace and security in the State.

Rebo Usman further tasks all Tarabans to have confidence on the security Agencies in the State by being law abiding, reporting suspicions and persons with questionable characters to relevant security Agencies as well as Government functionaries.

He also urged all to desist from over exaggerating happenings in their various Communities which has contributed greatly in creating unnecessary suspicion and tension that have led to wide spread of loss of lives and the destruction of property across the State.