A group, the Christian Conscience, has called on the Nigerian government at all levels to ensure food security for the citizens, particularly during the rainy and planting season.

The group made the call in a communique issued at the end of its monthly executive meeting on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

The Christian Conscience, in a communique jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Yetunde Akinluyi, and National General Secretary, Revd Kolawole Verrals, identified insecurity and lack of funds for farmers as some of the major challenges confronting farmers in the country.

The communique read: “Farmers in some parts of the country are being forced by bandits to pay ransom before they can access their farms. Many have also lost their lives and properties to the terrorists. For this reason, hundreds of thousands of Nigerian farmers have deserted their farmlands to seek refuge elsewhere.

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“This has led to unavailability of an incessant increase in the prices of food items across value chains and brought untold hardships to the people. Security is the primary responsibility of the government at all levels and this must be guaranteed by all means possible.

“The group noted with grave concern that to avoid food insecurity, curtail increasing cost of food items and prevent hunger in the months ahead, Nigerian Governments at all levels must ensure that insecurity, banditry, and hindrance to food transportation is tamed now to allow farmers have access to their produce buyers and farmlands during and beyond the raining season.

“We align with some of the decisions of the South-West Governors who met recently to chart a common course and work together through their relevant ministries and agencies on agriculture and food processing to ensure food security, improved social infrastructure, security of lives and properties of their citizens.

“In the mood of the approaching Eid al-Adha celebration, the Christian Conscience felicitates with Muslim faithful and all across the country and urges them to pray ceaselessly for Nigeria to continue to witness lasting peace and Security at all times.”

The Star