Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has highlighted the ongoing issue of inadequate grazing land for cattle in the region, a challenge that has been causing tensions between farmers and herders.
It was gathered that Alhaji Ibrahim Ciroma, the secretary of MACBAN in the FCT, spoke to Abuja Metro by phone, emphasizing that the lack of available grazing reserves has sparked conflicts between farmers and herders in several areas.
He pointed out that farmers have occupied the remaining grazing reserves in Kawu, Rubochi, and Paiko-Kore, areas that were once designated for cattle grazing.
Ciroma expressed frustration that the government has not taken steps to compensate the farmers occupying these lands, which has exacerbated the situation.
He specifically mentioned the Paiko-Kore grazing reserve, which is one of the most recognized in the territory, and noted that despite its importance, the government has failed to compensate the farmers there for several years.
His words: “The lack of grazing land has made it very difficult for herders in the FCT.
“Farmers have taken over grazing reserves, and even the hills where herders once grazed their cattle are being used for farming. This situation has created a lot of frustration among herders.”
He explained that herders in different parts of the FCT have been forced to move their cattle to less suitable areas, such as the tops of hills, where they often face further challenges. Many of these areas are being cultivated by farmers, leaving herders with very few places to graze their livestock.
According to Ciroma, the shortage of grazing reserves has led some herders to graze their cattle along major roads, including the airport road and other central parts of Abuja, where their animals sometimes cause traffic disruptions.
Ciroma recalled that during the tenure of former FCT Minister Muhammad Musa Bello, grasses were planted at the Paiko-Kore reserve to attract herders, but the initiative ultimately failed.
“As of now, the Paiko-Kore reserve is virtually useless,” he said. “The land has been overtaken by maize farms, and the herders have been left with no choice but to seek grazing land elsewhere.”
The MACBAN secretary also noted that the lack of designated grazing routes has intensified the problem.
“Grazing routes have been taken over by farmers, leaving herders with no clear path to move their cattle.
“This often results in disputes when cows accidentally stray into cultivated fields,” he said.
Recent tensions between farmers and herders, particularly in Gwagwalada and Kwali, have been attributed to these land disputes.
Ciroma recalled a near-crisis in Wumi village, located in the Dobi ward, where conflicts nearly erupted over blocked grazing routes.
Ciroma urged the FCT Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat to take action by planting grasses and compensating farmers in grazing reserves across the three area councils.
He emphasized that such steps would help ease the pressure on herders and prevent further conflicts.
In addition, he referenced the recent initiative by Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud, the FCT Minister of State, who launched a grass planting program at the Kawu grazing reserve in Bwari Area Council.
However, according to Ciroma, there has been no significant progress since the initiative was announced last month.
