Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, has urged federal and state authorities to establish state police forces to tackle escalating attacks on rural farmers.
He made the call yesterday at an empowerment programme in Benin City, where he distributed cashew nuts, coconuts, okra and ewedu seedlings to 100 farmers from the seven Local Government Areas of Edo South.
Speaking during the event, Senator Imasuen warned that groups of purported herdsmen and hunters from northern Nigeria have been moving into southern forests under dubious pretenses.
“These people say they are hunters, but can there be more hunters than the southern natives? For you to leave your region and come deep into our forests and claim to be hunters is highly questionable,” he said, stressing that insecurity in farming communities undermines agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
Imasuen argued that the current national police force is overstretched and cannot secure every nook and cranny of the country. “Other countries with local government systems have their own police forces. In the western region, the Amotekun Security Network shows how trained local units can protect communities effectively,” he noted.
He acknowledged that state policing presents challenges but insisted that devolved security structures would better safeguard homes, streets and farmlands.
The senator also commended the Edo State Government’s recent reconstitution of vigilante forces to bolster grassroots security.
He urged farmers to remain vigilant and to work closely with community security outfits. “State police would help us address the root causes of insecurity, ensuring our food producers can farm in safety,” he added.
Turning to agricultural development, Imasuen emphasized that self-sufficiency in food production is key to national prosperity.
He challenged programme participants to apply the skills and inputs provided to improve yields and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported food. “A nation that cannot feed itself is in distress,” he said. “If we produce what we eat locally, we’ll strengthen our markets and boost the economy.”
However, the empowerment initiative featured lectures on agribusiness strategy by consultant Iretiolu Odi, who highlighted the importance of SWOT analysis for farm planning, and by distribution expert Adekunle Azeez, who advised on seedling care to maximize survival and growth.
Former State Commissioner for Transportation Orobosa Omo-Ojo, who chaired the occasion, praised Imasuen’s consistent support for his constituents, noting that several early beneficiaries have already generated income from their new skills.
One beneficiary, Idemudia Osagie, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I am excited to be part of this programme, and I will use this chance wisely to improve my farming activities,” he said, reflecting the event’s goal of empowering local farmers to drive Edo State’s agricultural renaissance.
