The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has reported that the state experiences an average of 100 farmers-herders clashes every month.

Spokesman Mr. Samuel Opebiyi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ibadan. He explained that the conflicts often stem from issues such as cattle grazing on farmlands and livestock poisoning.

Opebiyi highlighted the role of the NSCDC’s Agro-Rangers in mitigating tensions, noting that the deployment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategies has helped resolve many disputes peacefully.

“The government’s goal of achieving food security cannot be realized without fostering peace between farmers and herders,” Opebiyi said. “We work to ensure an environment where both groups can coexist while pursuing their agricultural and livestock activities.”

The spokesman pointed out that certain areas of the state, including Oluyole, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa, are particularly prone to clashes. He also admitted that limited manpower has hindered the Agro-Rangers from covering all communities effectively, but reassured that efforts are underway to strengthen their presence.

According to Opebiyi, the Agro-Rangers’ presence has significantly helped curb farmers-herders clashes and related crimes across the state.