Afenifere says not one inch of land in the southwest will be made available for government cattle ranches

PAN-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere, has rejected the federal government’s proposed cattle ranches in the six states across the southwest of the country describing the plan as an imperialist agenda to create cattle territories across Nigeria.

 

In response to the ongoing crisis between Fulani cattle herdsmen and rural farmers, the federal government has suggested creating ranches across the country to accommodate pastoralists. However, at a meeting in Akure yesterday, Afenifere cautioned the federal government against imposing any harsh policy on the nation.

 

Following its monthly meeting at the home of its leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in the Ondo State capital, Afenifere issued a communiqué read by its publicity secretary, Yinka Odumakin, pointing out that cattle-rearing is a private business. It insisted that the government had no business getting involved, if there was nothing sinister about the move.

 

Afenifere insisted that no plot of land in Yorubaland will be available for such cattle ranch and no governor should cede any land for such. It also condemned the ongoing killings across the country carried out by Fulani cattle herdsmen.

 

Mr Odumakin said: “We are devastated by the genocide that took place in Plateau State on Sunday in which over 200 deaths occurred, by eyewitnesses accounts but the police admitted 100. These wanton killings and official irresponsibility portrays Nigeria as a barbaric entity and we, the Yoruba, are pained living in the same space with bestial elements who kill innocent people in cruel manners.

 

“The images of children killed mercilessly with open skulls make anyone with human blood flowing in his or her veins to shrink. We are further distressed that the response of President Muhammadu Buhari to the murder of hundreds of our citizens did not attract a word of sympathy or regret.

 

“It is very infuriating that the President’s response and that of Miyetti Allah appeared to have been authored from the same laptop. The chairman of the North Central zone of Miyetti Allah, Danladi Ciroma, said the attacks were a retaliation for the loss of 300 cows.”

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