The Ondo state chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) says it is time for herders to seek modern alternatives to open grazing.
The Chairman of the association in the state, Alhaji Bello Garba, stated this on Wednesday in Akure during a public hearing on a bill to regulate grazing of livestock and provide for the establishment of ranches, among other related issues.
Garba who noted that the association would support any peaceful move to address the issue in the state, added that the association had been begging the state government to register Fulani men in all the local government areaa of the state.
On his part, Ibrahim Abdul-Rahman, assistant secretary of the association, explained that open grazing had become obsolete and needed to be banned.
Abdul-Rahman asked all stakeholders to embrace modern cattle rearing techniques, saying farmers and herders must allow peace to reign considering the importance of both parties to the nation’s growth.
It would be recalled that governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu had in January ordered herders to vacate the state’s forest reserves, an order which sparked off a chain of controversies.
Amid the insecurity and tension caused by clashes between farmers and herders in some parts of the region, south-west governors have also banned open grazing in the region.
