Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has said that the Federal Government’s proposal to create additional grazing reserves would reduce the clash between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria.
Nyako told newsmen in Yola that grazing reserves and ranching were in line with standard best practice that ensured maximum benefit to nomads.
“Moving around with cattle in search of pasture is old fashion. You have to fence your cattle for security and better returns as obtained in developed countries.
“In USA for instance, this policy was introduced since 1872,’’ Nyako said.
Nyako urged state governments to ensure the protection of existing grazing reserves in the states against encroachment by fencing them and providing dams or boreholes and other facilities.
He stressed the need for dialogue in resolving problem between herdsmen and farmers.
Nyako said when a herd destroys crops, the owner of the herd should pay for the crop destroyed after evaluation by relevant authorities instead of resorting to violence. (NAN)
