The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has commended the Federal Government for deploying 10,000 Agro Rangers to safeguard farmlands across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The organisation told President Bola Tinubu that although the move is a reflection of a strong commitment to addressing the growing insecurity that has plagued the agricultural sector especially in the Northern region caused by terrorism, banditry and farmers-herders conflicts, 10,000 Agro Rangers is insufficient to effectively cover and curtail the widespread insecurity affecting the food-producing belt across the country.
A statement by the chairman of NCYP, Isaac Abrak, said the vast expanse of the Northern belt requires a more substantial and sustained effort to ensure the safety of farmers and the security of their lands.
He said, “We recognize and appreciate this commendable effort as a step in the right direction towards curbing the insecurity that has disrupted food production and threatened the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
“The deployment of Agro Rangers is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s resolve to fulfill his campaign promise of revitalizing the Forest Guards and securing our farmlands.
“However, while this deployment is a positive development, the NCYP wishes to draw the government’s attention to the fact that the current number of 10,000 Agro Rangers is insufficient to effectively cover and curtail the widespread insecurity affecting the food-producing belt across the country.
“The vast expanse of the Northern region requires a more substantial and sustained effort to ensure the safety of our farmers and the security of their lands.
“In light of this, the NCYP urgently calls on the Federal Government to increase the number of Agro Rangers as quickly as possible. A more robust and comprehensive deployment is necessary to effectively address the security challenges in the region and to guarantee the safety of those who feed the nation.
“Furthermore, we urge the personnel to maintain neutrality in carrying out their mandate of settling farmer-herder conflicts. It is crucial that they work closely with local communities, especially during patrols, as the locals’ in-depth knowledge of the terrain will help the Rangers achieve the desired results.
“We also call on traditional leaders and farmers to provide the Rangers with the necessary support and cooperation, which will help make their job easier and more effective.
“The NCYP has consistently advocated for the protection of our forests and farmlands and will continue to support initiatives that aim to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our people. We urge the government to continue in this direction and to take further steps to bolster food security and restore peace in the northern region.
“Once again, we commend President Tinubu for his proactive leadership and look forward to continued collaboration in securing our nation and ensuring the prosperity of all Nigerians.”
Friday Olokor
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