The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has put measures in place to resolve the frequent clashes between farmers and herders in Kwara State, News About Nigeria reports.
The association has banned the use of underage herders and night grazing in the state.
The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, who disclosed this while speaking during the inauguration of a new executive for the Kwara State chapter of the association over the weekend in Ilorin, noted that this will go a long way in helping both the farmers and herders to co-exist peacefully.
He also urged the new executive to prioritise harmony between the two groups, maintaining that the need for peace between the two groups cannot be overemphasised.
“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.
“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 stated.
Othman-Ngelzarma also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for creating the Ministry of Livestock, saying that the Ministry will significantly boost the country’s economy.
He further noted that if properly managed, it will transform the economy, attract foreign exchange, and save the country over $2 billion in importation costs.
