Members of Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, have advised the Federal Government to open an amnesty window for arms-bearing herdsmen and other terrorists in the country to curb the spate of attacks in the country. The group made its position known in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kunle Famoriyo. The group commended the Federal Government for deploying troops to volatile areas in the country to contain the menace of Fulani herdsmen.
It added that while the military option was good, it was imperative for the government to grant amnesty to the marauding herdsmen.
“There should be an executive order declaring an amnesty window for all arms-bearing herders, farmers and other terrorists wherever they may be found in our country. After the amnesty deadline, anyone caught anywhere with arms should be arrested and prosecuted under the Terrorism Act. Without an initiative like this, no positive or sustainable peace can be fostered.”
The group also called on the State Houses of Assembly to make laws that will allow for digital animal identification.
“There is no part of the country today that is strange to the use of GSM technology. If all herds are digitally identifiable, clashes between farmers and herders and rustling might be largely controlled, if not eliminated. Such identification technology will also facilitate Nigerian livestock farmers for meat export business.”
