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The Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has charged the authorities of the Nigerian Police to address as a matter of urgency the rising cases of frequent clashes between the Fulani herdsmen and their host communities across the country.

Dr. Mimiko gave the charge on Friday during a courtesy visit to him by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solo- mon Arase in his office in Akure.

The governor described the upsurge as a new trend of security challenges that should be tackled headlong before it degenerates into big security threat, noting that many lives and property had been lost to the crises in the last few years.

He called on the Federal Government to invest heav- ily in cattle ranches to avert the incessant clashes be- tween herdsmen and their host communities.

While commending the officers and men of the force for their professionalism and diligence in providing adequate security in the state, the governor described the police boss as highly cerebral who has provided right leadership for the force.

He commended the high level of efficiency demonstrat- ed by the Nigerian Police in apprehending the perpetrators of the sudden death of late Prof Albert Ilemobade as well as the abductors of Chief Olu Falae.

He assured of his support and cooperation for the Police Force and saluted the synergy among the security agencies in sustaining the prevailing peace in the state.

Earlier, the IGP thanked the governor for his support for the Ondo State Command of the force, noting that Ondo State is the 25th state to be visited by his entou- rage to discuss with officers and men of the force on how to move the force forward, particularly in the area of intel- ligence gathering and community relations partnership.