Ex-Nigeria ambassador urges FG, states to end farmers’ massacre to check food crisis

A former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Cameroon, Amb. Emmanuel Njiwah on Tuesday called on the federal government and states concerned to stop endless massacre of farmers across the country to prevent possible food crisis in the country.

Njiwah who is also the Northeast Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) made the call at the 17th Annual Tiv Day Celebration in Bali local government area of Taraba where he served as a guest speaker.

According to him, the endless massacre of farmers especially Tiv in Taraba and Benue states was threatening the food security of the nation.

He called on the federal government and states affected by the activities of terrorists in any disguise to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes against humanity are brought to book to deter would-be terrorists.

“The federal government must take proactive steps to stem the spectre of insecurity looming as a result of the rising influx of undocumented persons into the country and Taraba in particular.

“For us in Taraba we must all work to sustain the inter-ethnic serenity, peace and tranquility we have so far enjoyed in the state since inception of Arc. Darius Ishaku’s popular appeal to peace,”give me peace and will give you development,” he appealed.

Wife of Taraba governor, Barr. Mrs. Anna Ishaku who was honoured with an award of “Door of Peace” thanked the organizers for the award and called on the people of the state to live in peace with one another for the development of the state.

Represented by the state commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Rebecca Manasseh, the wife of the governor appealed to the people to support her husband who she said was poised to rescue the state from all facets underdevelopment and take it to the next level.

Earlier, the Tiv central leader in Bali, Zaki David Gbaa Tella (Ter Bali II) while presenting the award to Her Excellency and heads of Security operatives in the local government said the awardees were honoured because of their firm stand in resolving the crisis that engulfed the area between 2013 and 2015 without being bias.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Manasseh Tor-Peva in a remarks, condemned the incessant killings in the state in whatever name, reminding those behind the killings that all would give account of their actions before God on the judgment day.

He called on all irrespective of their tribe, religion and political affiliations to have respect for human life and allow all to seek their legitimate means of livelihood without molestation, adding that the recent crisis in the state affected food production as the Tiv who are known for farming were forced out by the marauding herdsmen.