Miyetti Allah Imposes Ban on Underage and Night Grazing in Kwara; Give Reasons
By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
In an effort to curb the frequent conflicts between farmers and herders in Kwara State, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has enacted a ban on underage herders and nighttime grazing. This decision was announced by MACBAN’s National President, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, during the inauguration of the new Kwara State executive of the association in Ilorin over the weekend.
Othman-Ngelzarma underscored the importance of fostering peaceful relations between farmers and herders, urging the new executive to focus on maintaining harmony between these groups. He stated, “We have directed our members and the new leadership to ensure that there is mutual respect and understanding between pastoralists and farmers. Unauthorized access to farmland and nighttime grazing by minors are unacceptable practices.”
The MACBAN president criticized nighttime grazing as a provocative act, asserting, “Night grazing is often used to incite conflict. We strongly oppose this practice and will ensure that those caught engaging in it are handed over to the authorities for necessary action.”
He acknowledged the significance of both agriculture and pastoralism, remarking, “We recognize that for a pastoralist, a cow is as valuable as crops are to a farmer.”
Othman-Ngelzarma also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s establishment of the Ministry of Livestock, describing it as a long-awaited development that could significantly enhance the national economy. “We have long advocated for this ministry, and we are grateful to President Tinubu for creating it. With effective management, it has the potential to boost the economy, attract foreign investment, and reduce import costs by over $2 billion,” he said.
Additionally, he addressed the escalating security challenges in the country, noting their complexity and the rise of criminal activities such as kidnapping and banditry.
