Osinbajo: Buhari has asked us to assess the damage of farmers-herders clashes

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to commence an assessment of the extent of damage in communities affected by violence caused by herdsmen-farmers clashes in some parts of the country.

Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo disclosed this during the inaugural meeting of the governing council of NEMA at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Osinbajo said efforts were in place to reconstruct the affected communities, adding that artisans with the required skills would be engaged when the houses are being rebuilt.

“Mr. President has directed that we do a survey and assessment on the damage done to towns cities, communities that have been affected by violence in some parts of the country, including the farmers-herders clashes. NEMA will play a leading role in this and the presidency will also provide direct support,” he said.

“We will involve the people in the affected communities, and not just bring people from outside these communities, in the rebuilding efforts. We will involve people in these villages, artisans and other people in the communities, with required skills so that they can also benefit economically as we rebuild these communities.”

The vice-president, who is the chairman of the governing council, congratulated the new members and expressed the hope that the board would continue to be committed to the task ahead, adding that NEMA has been very visible in its role.

“NEMA has been taking on assignments even beyond its mandate. This is a responsibility that we must take seriously,” he said.