Federal Government Set To Create Cattle Colonies Across The Country To Stop Herdsmen And Farmers Crisis

Posted by: tony in News Jan 21, 2018

The federal government in a bid to stop the recurring bloody clashes between herders and farmers that has left hundreds dead and property destroyed has revealed that work will commence on establishing cattle colonies across the country next week.

Minister of agriculture and rural development, Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this when he visited the agriculture and veterinary complex of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as he explained that states which are not interested in the idea would be exempted.

According to a report from LEADERSHIP Sunday, there is tension in the land following the killings perpetrated by herdsmen in various parts of the country of late, the most prominent being the attacks on Benue communities in the New Year which left 73 people dead and hundreds of houses destroyed.

Speaking on the cattle colonies concept, Audu Ogbeh said it was part part of the resolutions by the committee set up to resolve the conflict.

He said: �One of the most topical issues we have today is that of farmers and herdsmen clashes.

�If we do not deal with it quickly, we run the risk of damaging the harmony and the co-existence of Nigeria as a country. The killings are getting too many.

�In our attempt to solve the problem, we have proffered certain solutions, but perhaps we were not sensitive enough to Nigeria’s fragile sensitivities and suspicions.

�When we spoke of colonies, we were immediately greeted with reactions that this was an attempt to seize Nigeria’s land and give to the Fulanis to colonize.

�The intention is not for Fulanis or anyone to colonize any territory.

�It is to provide a haven for cattle to graze in peace under controlled environments to prevent the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.

�Only yesterday, a committee was set up by the vice-president with members, most of them state governors, discussing this matter and resolving that states that are interested will begin work on this matter as soon as next week.’’