The Niger state government has issued a 21-day ultimatum to farmers and herdsmen in the state to give up illegal firearms in their possession.
Ardo Babayo, director general of nomadic affairs, gave the order during a peacemaking meeting between both factions on Wednesday in Paiko, Paikoro local government area of the state.
Babayo said the dispute between farmers and herdsmen wreaked havoc in various communities in the state.
He said those who refuse to surrender illegal arms before the end of the ultimatum would have to contend with the law.
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“There is need to surrender illegal firearms because of the frequent destruction of lives and property emanating from such weapons,” he said.
“No reasonable government will fold its arms and watch people take the laws into their hands because of undue access to illegal arms”.
Sagire Garba, divisional police officer, Paiko, advised community members to alert security agencies to any suspicious incident.
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Hassan Wambai, Fulani community leader in Paiko, expressed appreciation for the state government’s role in restoring peace between farmers and herdsmen and pledged unwavering support.
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