… reiterate call for ban of open grazing
.. Northern governors seek FG support for herders
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The governors of Kano, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, Niger, Alhaji Sanni Bello, Zamafara, Alhaji Matawalle, Kebbi, Alhaji Atiku Baugudu as well as Gov Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo and the host governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun have sued for peace in the face of disturbing farmers and herders clashes across the country.
The governors spoke at a stakeholders meeting on farmers and herders organised by Ogun State government and held at Obas Complex, Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta on Tuesday.
The meeting also had in attendance traditional rulers across the state, farmers, members of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders led by the Southwest Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Labar as well as security chiefs in the state among other top government functionaries.
Welcoming people to the event, Prince Dapo Abiodun said that the stakeholders meeting was hinged on the commitment of his government to peaceful coexistence as well as deliberate moves to find lasting solution to the incessant farmers/herders clashes
The governor while saying that his administration would always ensure safety of all residents of the state irrespective of their ethnicity however condemned those who want to be maiming and killing the people under whatever guise saying that his government would not tolerate such illegality.
He explained that he has not only set up Special Task Force to help quell the farmers/ herders clashes but he had also raised a fact-finding team and that he was already studying the interim report submitted all in a bid to put a stop to the avoidable farmers/ herders clashes that have been responsible for loss of lives and properties in the state in the last two weeks.
Speaking at the peace parley, the governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje has however said that it was about time herders abandon the traditional way of open grazing, trekking from one place to another with their cows for ranching saying that this was how to solve the problem of farmers/herders clashes.
Dr Ganduje said open grazing which usually precipitates the clashes between farmers and herders is no longer practicable and sustainable saying that the federal government must find a way to support herders to embrace modern way of keeping their cows through ranching.
The governor said all the governors are worried, likewise President Muammadu Buhari, over this avoidable breach of peace caused by the farmers/herders saying that the federal government must rise to the occasion to support the herders to embrace ranching.
The governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu has equally reiterated the call on the ban for open grazing saying that this was the only way to overcome the incessant farmers/herders clashes
He said the modern way of keeping their cows would not only engender peace but also allow them the opportunity of getting their children educated and be better useful to themselves and the nation at large.
In his address at the event, Muahmed Kabir Labar, head of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders, Ogun state said that the Fulani community has lost 20 houses, 23 lives and 1000 cows to the mayhem saying that everyone involved must begin to pursue peace as there can’t be progress and meaningful development under any chaotic environment.
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewa land urged the cattle breeders to flush out the criminals among them and be ready to live in peace with their host.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the peace parley were governors of Niger, Kebbi and Zamafara States, Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona represented by Oba Y O Yinusa, Dagburewe of Idowa among others.