In an effort to curb the frequent conflicts between herders and farmers in Kwara State, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has announced a ban on underage herders and night grazing across the state.
This decision was disclosed by the National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, during the inauguration of the new executive committee for the association’s Kwara State chapter in Ilorin over the weekend.
Othman-Ngelzarma stressed the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, urging the new leadership to focus on maintaining harmony between the two groups.
He stated, “We have instructed our members and the new executive to ensure that there is mutual understanding between pastoralists and farmers in Kwara State. No one should trespass on farmland or allow underage boys to graze cattle at night. This is unacceptable.”
The MACBAN president highlighted that night grazing often leads to deliberate acts of provocation, which can escalate into violent clashes. He emphasized that such practices are not supported by the association and warned that anyone caught engaging in night grazing would be handed over to security agencies.
“Anyone engaging in night grazing is intentionally stirring up trouble. We do not support this practice, and if we catch anyone involved, we will personally hand them over to the security agencies for appropriate action,” Othman-Ngelzarma warned.
He further acknowledged the mutual value that both farmers and herders place on their livelihoods, noting, “We understand that a cow is as dear to the heart of a pastoralist as crops are to a farmer.”
Othman-Ngelzarma also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock, a move he believes has the potential to significantly improve Nigeria’s economy.
He stated, “We have been advocating for this ministry for decades, and we appreciate President Tinubu for establishing it. If properly managed, it will transform the economy, attract foreign exchange, and save the country over $2 billion in importation costs.”
