Stakeholders involved in mitigating the farmers-herders conflict in Taraba have called for the re-identification of grazing reserves and cattle routes in the state.
Alhaji Ibrahim Barewa, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Taraba, made the call on Monday during a Stakeholders Engagement and Town Hall Meeting organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jalingo. The meeting, which focused on national cohesion and development, addressed issues like insurgencies, banditry, extremism, youth restiveness, and the ongoing farmers-herders conflict.
Barewa expressed concern about the encroachment on traditional grazing routes and reserves, which were established during the pre-colonial era. He noted that this encroachment had posed significant challenges for herders, making it difficult for them to move freely across locations.
“Human activities have led to the encroachment on grazing routes and reserves. This has caused tremendous challenges for herders, hindering their movement,” he said.
Barewa also urged security agencies to take a firm stance against illegal weapons, calling for the arrest and prosecution of herders caught carrying arms to incite violence. He attributed the rising tensions between farmers and herders to politicians exploiting these divisions for their own gain.
Alhaji Salisu Kumba, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Taraba, also spoke at the meeting, stressing the importance of preserving grazing reserves and cattle routes to restore peace between the two groups. Kumba pointed out that both farmers and herders were generally peaceful, with the real instigators of conflict being politicians.
He further suggested the establishment of a Herders-Farmers Commission to mediate disputes and ensure peaceful coexistence between the two groups.
Mr Mahmoud Abdullahi, Director of Livestock Services at the Taraba Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, revealed that the state has nine gazetted grazing reserves. However, due to population growth and human activities, these routes have been compromised. He assured that efforts were being made to re-identify these grazing reserves and cattle routes.
Abdullahi also highlighted the issue of drug addiction among young herders, which he identified as a contributing factor to the rising violence against farmers. He stated that the state government was committed to preventing further conflict between the two groups.
Earlier in the meeting, Mr Zakari Muhammad, Director of NOA in Taraba, acknowledged the multiple security challenges Nigeria faces, which threaten the nation’s peace, stability, and development. He stated that the Pathway to National Cohesion initiative, aimed at addressing the unique security concerns of different regions, was designed to promote national unity and development.
Muhammad urged all stakeholders to work towards peaceful coexistence, recognising the shared humanity and interests between farmers and herders, and to support collaborative efforts to tackle these challenges.
Representatives from security agencies, religious leaders, women, and youth groups attended the meeting.
(NAN)