Rather, the lawmakers advised the Federal government to work out modalities for the establishment of cattle breeding settlements as a lasting solution to incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Mohammed Onawo (PDP, Nasarawa), who regretted that the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers have presented serious security challenges in the polity.
He said: “It is noted that the Federal Government’s proposal to establish cattle colonies in every State in Nigeria to cater for the herdsmen and their cattle as a lasting solution to the continuous clashes which, in most cases, result in senseless and avoidable loss of lives and properties.
“We are however concerned that the decision to establish cattle colonies in each State could be in violation of Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Land Use Act as those colonies will remain the exclusive reserve of the individual State governments and as such, would not guarantee total freedom to the herdsmen.
“It must be said that cattle rearing is not an exclusive reserve of the Fulanis as other tribes also engage in the business and that is why we are determined to provide a lasting solution to the incessant conflicts between herdsmen and farm owners, hence modern breeding practices should be encouraged.
“We are convinced that ranching will offer longer lasting solution to the recurring conflicts between herdsmen and farmers, if the herdsmen would be fully sensitized and educated about the benefits of the program, as it would enable them assume full ownership of those ranches”.
In its resolution, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has been urged to liaise with State Ministries of Agriculture to speedily educate and encourage the herdsmen on the benefits of ranching.
