By Williams Odunze
The Imo State House of Assembly has resolved to invite various security agencies in the State, on providing adequate security to farmers and their farms from herdsmen invasion.
The House made the resolution following the adoption of the motion moved by the member representing Nkwere Constituency, Hon Chisom Ojukwu on the issue of invasion of farmlands from criminal elements under the disguise of herders.
Presenting the motion, the lawmaker, explained that series of reports from farmers revealed that most of the farmlands in the State are no longer safe.
He observed that if the development is left unchecked that it will lead to food scarcity which will create negative impact in the economic and social well-being of Imo citizens.
” If this persistent insecurity of farms and farmers is not urgently nipped in the bud ,it will not only lead to financial losses for the farmers but also exacerbate the food insecurity situation in our State and farmers may resort to self help which may give rise to a very serious security concern in the State,” he said.
Ojukwu prayed that the House should urge the Governor of the State, Hope Uzodinma to direct the Ministry of Homeland Security and other relevant agencies to urgently find lasting solution to farmers’ security.
After much deliberation on the motion, the House directed the House committee on Agriculture to convene a joint meeting with the Commissioner for Agriculture,Livestock, Homeland Security and other relevant agencies to brainstorm on way of intensifying intelligence gathering and surveillance activities to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of attacks on farmers.
The House, also resolved to urge the Governor to direct ministry of Homeland Security to commence immediate profiling and registration of scavengers and those involve in buying farm produce in the State.
