Oyogist.com has learned that the Miyetti allah, Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has backed Governors on ban of open grazing, saying it will help to address farmers –herders’ crisis.
The National Patron of MACBAN, Senator Walid Jibrin, disclosed this earlier today, stating that cattle rearing has been on in Africa for over 100 years without any consideration for free movement of cattle (Open Grazing) or any grazing reserve.
According to him: “As a concerned Fulani Leader in Nigeria, I have a free mind on anyone recommending a ban on open grazing, free movement of herders and cattle in Nigeria because the practice is getting outdated internationally and is therefore necessary for Nigeria especially Fulani race to study critically the traditional open grazing believing that the 21st century may never accommodate it.“When you look at the practice of open grazing in Nigeria compared with what is happening Internationally, Nigeria can never continue with traditional open grazing practice.
“Another reason why we should shun away from open grazing is the way old methods of settlements of crises between herdsmen and farmers have been abandoned.“May I seize this opportunity to congratulate all the Governors for the bold steps they are taking to curve the menace of open grazing, kidnapping and banditry.“Nigeria must remain one entity and one Nigeria as against what is happening now. We should rely more on dialogue and mediation with herders, Fulani leaders, Traditional rulers and our Governors in order to end this feud.“Finally I strongly appeal to the Federal and State Governments to maintain all existing grazing reserves by providing special amenities mentioned in my earlier suggestions.
