Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State, Chief Dr Samuel Ortom, has prescribed the establishment of ranches in the country as the panacea to the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
He spoke while addressing the forum of Pentecostal Bishops in Benue State.
The meeting took place at the Faith Hill Prophetic Assembly, Wadata, in Makurdi.
Chief Dr Ortom said Nigeria must establish international best practices in animal husbandry in order to permanently address the violence which has claimed the lives of thousands and property worth billions of naira over the years.
According to him the problem has been aggravated by corruption which prevents leaders who collect security votes to tackle the challenge but never invest such monies in curbing the menace.
He said if given the mandate he would partner with the federal government and private investors to tackle the challenge by enacting relevant laws as well as promoting industrialization which shall create jobs and wealth and take thousands of youths off the streets and reduce insecurity in the state to the barest minimum.
Chief Dr Ortom also pledged to encourage community vigilante groups to complement the security agencies in securing lives and property in the state.
The former Minister of State, Industry, Trade, and Investment, pledged to partner with the church to propel development by entrenching core values including transparency, fairness, justice, honesty, accountability, forgiveness, reconciliation and unity which he said shall engender peace and progress.
The clergy led by Bishop Timothy Kure offered prayers for him.