In a bid to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has imposed a ban on the use of underage herders and night grazing in Kwara State.
The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman Ngelzarma, made this known during the inauguration of a new executive for the Kwara State chapter of the association.
Ngelzarma explained that the decision was necessary due to the recurring clashes between herders and farmers across various parts of the country.
He further noted that night grazing often serves as a deliberate attempt to incite conflict, which is unacceptable.
“Anyone engaging in night grazing is deliberately stirring up trouble. We do not support such practices, and if caught, we will personally hand them over to the security agencies for appropriate action,” he said.
Acknowledging the significance of both livelihoods, Ngelzarma stated, “A cow is as precious to a pastoralist as crops are to a farmer.” He reiterated that anyone found violating the ban on night grazing will face immediate consequences, including being handed over to law enforcement.
The MACBAN president also praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for establishing the Ministry of Livestock, highlighting its potential to strengthen the nation’s economy.
“We have advocated for this ministry for decades and are grateful to President Tinubu for making it a reality. With proper management, it could transform the economy, increase foreign exchange earnings, and save over $2 billion in import costs.”
Ngelzarma also addressed the worsening security situation in the country, citing the increasing involvement of criminal elements such as kidnappers and bandits.
He called for joint effort to address the increasing insecurity, stressing that pastoralists are both perpetrators and victims of these crimes.
“Criminality is criminality, and everyone involved should be treated equally. It is unjust to handle the issue differently in certain parts of the country. We must come together, including the media, to solve this problem.”
He also urged traditional leaders, security agencies, and non-state actors to clearly define their roles in addressing the country’s security challenges.