MACBAN bans underage herders and night grazing in Kwara

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has implemented a ban on the use of underage herders and night grazing in Kwara State to prevent further clashes with farmers. The move comes in response to recent conflicts that have led to loss of lives and destruction of farmlands.

Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the National President of MACBAN, announced the ban during the inauguration of the new executive committee for the Kwara State chapter.

He emphasized the importance of fostering peaceful relations between farmers and herders and urged the new executives to prioritize harmony between the two groups.

Othman-Ngelzarma condemned night grazing as a deliberate act to provoke conflict.

“Anyone engaging in night grazing is intentionally stirring up trouble,” he said. “We do not support this practice, and if we catch anyone involved, we will personally hand them over to the security agencies.”  

The MACBAN president also acknowledged the value both farmers and pastoralists place on their livelihoods.

“We understand that a cow is as dear to the heart of a pastoralist as crops are to a farmer,” he stated.

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Othman-Ngelzarma praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for creating the Ministry of Livestock.

He believes that the ministry will significantly boost the country’s economy and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

Addressing the growing insecurity in the country, the MACBAN leader called for a united front to combat the issue.

He noted that pastoralists are both perpetrators and victims of crimes like kidnapping and banditry. “Criminality is criminality,” he said. “Everyone involved should be treated equally.”

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Othman-Ngelzarma urged traditional rulers, security agencies, and non-state actors to play their respective roles in resolving the security challenges.