To address the ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers in Kwara State, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has implemented a ban on the employment of underage herders and the practice of night grazing within the state.
During the inauguration of a new executive for the Kwara State chapter of the association over the weekend, the National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, announced this decision in Ilorin.
Othman-Ngelzarma highlighted the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in the state, urging the newly elected executive to focus on promoting harmony between the two communities.
“We have directed our members and the new executive to facilitate mutual understanding between pastoralists and farmers in Kwara State. It is imperative that no one encroaches on farmland or permits underage boys to graze cattle at night. Such actions are intolerable,” he stated.
The MACBAN president stated that night grazing is frequently a calculated effort to incite conflict. “Those who participate in night grazing are intentionally causing trouble. We do not condone this practice, and if we apprehend anyone involved, we will promptly turn them over to the security agencies for necessary action,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the association acknowledges the importance both farmers and pastoralists attach to their livelihoods, saying, “We recognize that a cow holds as much value for a pastoralist as crops do for a farmer.
Othman-Ngelzarma praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for establishing the Ministry of Livestock, a development he believes will greatly enhance the nation’s economy.
“We have been calling for the creation of this ministry for many years, and we are grateful to President Tinubu for making it a reality. If managed effectively, it has the potential to transform the economy, attract foreign investment, and save the country over $2 billion in importation expenses,” he stated.
The MACBAN leader also spoke about the escalating insecurity in the country, describing it as increasingly complex and characterized by criminal activities such as kidnapping and banditry.
He urged for a united effort to tackle the issue, pointing out that pastoralists can be both perpetrators and victims of these crimes.
He also called on traditional leaders, security agencies, and non-state actors to clarify their roles in addressing the security challenges.
In his comments, the newly inaugurated chairman of MACBAN in Kwara State, Alhaji Idris Abubakar, committed to promoting the message of peace among all herders in the state.
Likewise, Hon. Muhammad Abdullahi Seriki, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Community Relations (Fulani), mentioned that the new MACBAN leadership, comprised of over 90 percent youth, is dedicated to fostering peace in the state.
Seriki noted that the tensions between farmers and herders are being exacerbated by certain elements; however, he expressed confidence that the youthful vigor of the new leadership will contribute to fostering harmony.
