The 36 state governors, on Thursday, agreed to pay compensation to victims of herders/farmers clashes in their various states.
The state governors reached the agreement at a meeting of the National Economic Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, which was chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
NEC presided over by sitting Vice President has all state governors, Central Bank of Nigeria’s governor and relevant ministers as members.
The decision to pay compensation was included in their communique read by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who briefed State House Correspondents alongside his Kebbi State counterpart, Atiku Bagudu.
The governors said those who suffered losses in targeted attacks must be paid some compensation.
NEC also resolved that there must be public condemnation of hatred against minority groups.
It further advised that members of non-indigenous groups should be incorporated into local security groups.
The communique added, “The chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State updated council on security situation and community policing as follows.
“He stressed the importance of the protection of all residents of all states including non-indigenous communities and religious and ethnic minorities within state jurisdictions.
“He stressed the need for the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of crime.
“It was agreed that in collaboration with federal authorities, the reconstruction of destroyed homes and payment of compensation where appropriate by state authorities for damage to property and livelihoods sustained during targeted attacks on communities within their jurisdictions must be done.
“It was also resolved that deceased victims of such violence are duly accorded dignified burial rites.”