The Governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada, at the weekend, said the recurring clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in  the North-central states was constituting a major security challenge in this part of the country, with the attendant loss of lives and property.

This came as the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, urged the federal and state governments to set aside grazing areas for Fulani herdsmen in the country.

Wada, who stated this when he received the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Peaceful Resolution and Dialogue in the Northern parts of Nigeria, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), who led members of the committee on a two-day visit, said there was an urgent need for the committee to use the assignment to review the laws regarding the movement of cattle and herdsmen in the country.

He noted that this was a major source of frictions between the herdsmen and farmers, especially in Benue and Nasarawa States, which, thereafter, led to an influx of refugees into Kogi State.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, told the committee that the peace and tranquillity currently being enjoyed in the state was as a result of the proactive security measures put in place by the state government.

Wada, who commended the federal government for the state of emergency rule declared in some troubled states, as well as the proscription of militant groups, stated that the decision was the right step in the right direction towards achieving peace in the country.

Earlier in his address, Turaki said the committee was established to find a lasting solution to security problems bedevilling the country, especially in the North.

While noting that the nation was not at war, Turaki said the establishment of the committee underscored the seriousness the government attached to its bid to resolve the security challenges in the country.

Meanwhile, Kwara State monarchs, who aired their views in a communiqué issued at the end of one-day summit held at the Emir of IIorin's palace in IIorin, said the establishment of grazing reserve will put and to constant clash between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

The communiqué, which was signed by the Coordinator of the programme, Prof. Shehu Jimoh, called on traditional rulers and local government chairmen to create a cordial relationship between Fulani herdsmen and community.

The monarchs urged the three tiers of government to always involve them in settling land disputes, adding that: "More responsibilities should be given to royal fathers, especially on land related matters."

The monarchs advocated the setting up of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) committee to settle disputes.

THISDAY gathered that, the summit was attended by 51 traditional rulers from across the 16 local government areas of the state.