The association of herders in Nigeria known as the Miyetti Allah Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has stated that it is tired of open grazing in Ondo State, calling on the government to provide alternatives as a way to put the frequent herdsmen/ farmers’ crises to an end.
The Ondo Chapter Chairman of the association, Alhaji Bello Garba, made this declaration on Wednesday in Akure the state’s capital.
Garba was speaking during a public hearing on a bill to regulate rearing and grazing of livestock and provide for the establishment of ranches and other related matters.
According to him, the association would support any peaceful move to address the issue in the state, adding that farmers and herdsmen must carry out their respective activities without clashing. According to him, the association has been begging the state government to register Fulani men in all the local government areas of the state.
Read Also: Allow Herdsmen Do Their Business – Miyetti Allah To Nigerians
Similarly, Mr Ibrahim Abdul-Rahman, the Assistant Secretary of the association in the state, explained that open grazing had become obsolete and needed to be banned. Abdul-Rahman asked all stakeholders to embrace the modern cattle rearing technique, saying that farmers and herders must allow peace to reign, considering the importance of both parties to nation’s growth.
Applauding the move, Mr. Gbenga Obaweya, the Chairman of Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), said that it was a step in the right direction, adding that a foundation had been laid upon which other processes would be. Obaweya noted that the body language of the state government showed that it was ready to protect agriculture and agricultural practices and put an end to the lingering clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
The chairman explained that the effects of the lingering misunderstanding between farmers and herders had grave effects on the economy, growth and development of the state.
‘It is obvious that GDP will adversely drop whenever food and animal production is hampered,‘ he said.
Mohammed stated that the bill would address causes of the crises and proffer solutions, urging participants to take full advantage of the hearing and make invaluable suggestions.
Also reacting, Mr. Akin Olotu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, said that the bill was for justice and fairness. Olotu noted that the bill, if passed into law, would allow farmers and herders to do their work legitimately.
‘The bill is not meant to persecute anybody. If you recollect, Mr. Governor sometimes ago asked illegal occupants to leave our forests.
‘This is not pointing at any ethnic group. For every person, you are free to operate in the state, irrespective of your ethnic affiliation,’ he said.
The governor’s aide noted that the bill would address slaughtering of cows and provide designated locations in each council area.
Dr. Akinwumi Gideon, the state Commandant of Vigilante Group of Nigeria, described the bill and the public hearing as commendable. Gideon said that the bill, if passed, would bring an end to the existing rancour between farmers and herdsmen.
He promised that the group would deploy, at least, 800 personnel for enforcement, when the bill eventually became law.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
