The Federal Government has directed cattle rearers across the country to move their animals into designated grazing reserves as part of measures to end the recurring farmer-herder clashes.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, gave the order during a two-day media retreat for beat journalists held yesterday in Abuja. He explained that a roundtable dialogue had been held with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad III, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to ensure that cows and other animals are no longer allowed to roam the cities and towns in search of pasture but are relocated to ranches in line with efforts to bring about lasting peace.
Maiha stated: “All the animals roaming Abuja city centre will have to be relocated to the grazing reserves. And we mean it, and we are going to do it; it is going to happen. We want peace, we need peace to develop. We are working with every government and every security agency in this country to achieve that.”
The minister further disclosed that the ministry would embark on a national peace campaign to promote sustainable calm between farmers and herders, ethnic association groups, and warring communities across the federation.
He stressed the importance of the media in changing the narrative about livestock development, urging journalists to help shift public perception from stigma to enlightenment. According to him, for the livestock industry to grow and contribute to economic development, “all hands must be on deck.”