The Director-General of The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has identified the widespread availability of small guns as a major contributing reason to the continuous clashes between Nigerian farmers and herders. In order to achieve long-term peace and stability in the country, he emphasized how vital it is to address this issue.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Emmanuel Mamman, Ochogwu at the "National Conference on the Management of Farmer-Herder Relations in Nigeria: Creating a Path to Sustainable Peace" held in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasized the negative effects of the widespread availability of weapons in raising the level of violence and impeding attempts at peaceful resolution.

In order to effectively combat the proliferation of weapons, he emphasized the significance of cooperation between national security agencies and local communities, pointing out that this kind of cooperation is essential for establishing long-lasting peace and stability.

Ochogwu also mentioned other elements that have exacerbated tensions between farmers and herders in the country, such as misinformation and climate change. In order to combat false narratives that inflame ethnic and religious conflicts, he emphasized the importance of spreading factual information and encouraging a culture of mutual understanding and tolerance among Nigerian citizens.

As essential steps to reduce violence and promote a peaceful society, the IPCR Director General emphasized the need to address underlying ethno-religious tensions and create connections across various communities.

Present was Mr. Baba Ngelzarma, the National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), who raised worries about significant land loss in the Sahel due to desertification through Adamu Toro's representation. To solve this environmental crisis, he called on the government to act decisively.

The event's chairman, Ambassador Magagi Ahmed, emphasized that settling farmer-herder disputes is essential to maintaining national peace. He bemoaned the deaths and destruction of livelihoods brought about by these conflicts, emphasizing how urgent it is to find long-term solutions that will promote stability and peace.