In an effort to curb the frequent clashes between herders and farmers in Kwara State, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has announced a ban on the use of underage herders and night grazing within the state.
The decision was made public by MACBAN’s National President, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, during the inauguration of the new executive for the Kwara State chapter of the association in Ilorin over the weekend.
Othman-Ngelzarma highlighted the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, urging the new executive to prioritize maintaining harmony.
“We have instructed our members and the new executive to ensure that there is mutual understanding between pastoralists and farmers in Kwara State. No one should trespass on farmland or allow underage boys to graze cattle at night. This is unacceptable,” he stated.
He condemned night grazing as a practice often used to incite conflict. “Anyone engaging in night grazing is intentionally stirring up trouble. We do not support this practice, and if we catch anyone involved, we will personally hand them over to the security agencies for appropriate action,” he added.
Othman-Ngelzarma acknowledged the value of both farmers’ and pastoralists’ livelihoods, noting that a cow is as precious to a pastoralist as crops are to a farmer.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for establishing the Ministry of Livestock, a development he believes will significantly benefit the economy.
“We have been advocating for this ministry for decades, and we appreciate President Tinubu for establishing it. If properly managed, it will transform the economy, attract foreign exchange, and save the country over $2 billion in importation costs,” he said.
Addressing the broader issue of insecurity, which he described as complex and involving criminal activities like kidnapping and banditry, Othman-Ngelzarma called for a united approach to tackle the problem.
“Criminality is criminality. Everyone involved should be treated equally. It is unfair to treat some differently in other parts of the country. We must all come together, including the media, to solve this problem,” he asserted.
He urged traditional rulers, security agencies, and non-state actors to clearly define their roles in addressing security challenges.
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