Cattle colonies will start this week, says FG

Mon, Jan 22, 2018 | By publisher


Politics

The federal government says from this week, work will commence on establishing cattle colonies across the country.

Audu Ogbeh, minister of agriculture and rural development, who disclosed this when he visited the agriculture and veterinary complex of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, made it clear that states which are not interested in the idea would be exempted.

Following killings orchestrated by herdsmen in various parts of the country, the government had proposed that establishment of cattle colonies would help quell the situation.

But some states, including Benue, where Ogbeh hails from, rejected establishment of colonies.

Defending the concept, Ogbeh said it is part part of the resolutions by the committee set up to solve the killings.

“One of the most topical issues we have today is that of farmers and herdsmen clashes,” he said.

“If we do not deal with it quickly, we run the risk of damaging the harmony and the co-existence of Nigeria as a country. The killings are getting too many.

“In our attempt to solve the problem, we have proffered certain solutions but perhaps we were not sensitive enough to Nigeria’s fragile sensitivities and suspicions.

“When we spoke of colonies, we were immediately greeted with reactions that this was an attempt to cease Nigeria’s land and give to the Fulanis to colonise.

“The intention is not for Fulanis or anyone to colonise any territory. It is to provide a haven for cattle to graze in peace under controlled environments to prevent the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.

“A committee was set up by the vice-president with members, most of them, state governors discussing this matter and resolving that states that are interested will begin work on this matter as soon as this week.’’

– Jan. 22 2018 @ 08:35 GMT

Tags:


Stampede: CAN calls for improved safety measures to avoid future incidents

THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a stampede, and urged...

Read More
Stampede: Lagos Govt. warns show promoters, others

THE Lagos State Government has called on show promoters, non-governmental organisations, corporate organisations and private individuals to ensure proper crowd...

Read More
Reps mourn tragic loss of Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, Okija stampedes

THE House of Representatives has mourned the tragic loss of lives, including children, in three unfortunate stampedes that occurred in...

Read More