Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) have reached an agreement to put a stop to free-range grazing
The two bodies also resolved that that night grazing should be banned henceforth.
They also agreed to constitute a standing committee in each state to ensure a harmonious relationship between herders and farmers.
The meeting took place after the expiration on Monday of the order given by Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for unregistered herders to vacate the state’s forest reserve
The meeting which was chaired by Chairman of the NGF Dr. Kayode Fayemi was attended by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi State), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Alhaji Abdulkadir Badaru (Jigawa).
The National President, MACBAN, Alhaji Muhammadu Kirowa also attended. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, Olufemi Agunbiade., led the security chiefs.
A part of the communiqué reads: “That free-range grazing must be stopped to avoid conflicts between farmers and herders.
“Strengthening alternative security arrangements and making them complementary to the mainstream security agencies in Nigeria should be encouraged.
“MACBAN should embrace and be committed to modern breeding process by creating grazing reserves and practicing ranching to prevent cattle roaming about.
“Standing committee comprising of farmers, MACBAN and the government should be set up in each state (where they don’t exist) to ensure synergy and result.
“We must create economic opportunities for our people and reduce opportunities for criminalities in our country.”
“The order of the Ondo State governor was misconstrued and misrepresented by a section of the media. He only ordered those occupying the forest reserves in Ondo State illegally to quit.
“The meeting agreed that criminals should be apprehended and punished, no matter their origin, class, or status, and that security agencies … must step up their efforts in the fight.
“There is the need to build a partnership for peace and security with MACBAN and jointly wage war against criminality.
“No one had sent anyone away from any state or region but all hands must be on deck to fight criminality.
“MACBAN is a peace-loving, law-abiding organisation which does not habour or condone criminals.”
