Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association finally accepts ranching as the way forward

FULANI herdsmen body the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (Macban) has finally accepted proposals to end nomadism and get its members to rear their livestock in ranches according to Benue State governor Samuel Ortom.

Over recent years, Benue State has been on the receiving end of brutal attacks by heavily-armed herdsmen who have attacked farming villages, sometimes leaving dozens dead in their wake. In response, Governor Ortom has introduced new laws banning the grazing of cattle across open farmland and compelling herdsmen to raise their livestock in a controlled environment.

Macban has been opposed to these measures saying it restricts the right of freedom of their members and is an attack on the Fulani. Governor Ortom accused some heads of security agencies of looking the other way while the herdsmen attack, heightening tension in the state but it now appears that there is a solution in sight.

Governor Ortom said: "We remain committed to our people and our ranching law and I believe that that is the way forward. Like I keep saying, if people have better options, let them bring it to the table but for us in Benue, ranching remains the global best practice and Nigeria cannot be an exception especially when land is decreasing and population is increasing.

"The 20m cattle in Nigeria cannot cope with open grazing and there is no doubt about that, so a solution has to be worked out just as it is done in India with over 300m herds of cattle, in Brazil with about 250m herds of cattle and in America with more than 300m cows. I think that in Benue, we are winning because Macban have accepted that ranching remains the best option to rear cattle and we commend them and we will work with them to see how our law can wear a human face to ensure that we have a win-win for all."

He added that ranching will also minimise cattle rustling and attacks on farms and encroachment. According to the governor, they are collaborating with security agencies and are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that the state overcomes the current crisis.