Berom And Fulani Leaders Exchange Blow Over Grazing Reserves As Lalong Refutes Adopting Ranches In Plateau
Yakubu Busari
Berom and Fulani leaders today exchanged blows over gazing reserves and ranching policy, this medium learnt that there was a melee that broke out between a Fulani and Berom leader following the rejection of the ranching policy by the Hausa/Fulani as they said that the they support grazing policy.
The Chairman of the Fulani in Plateau Alh Nurudeen Mohammed while presenting his people’s position over the grazing and ranching policy had stated that they don’t want ranches but that they want Grazing , a statement that never went down well with the Beroms that were at the meeting and this led to the slapping of Nurudeen Mohammed by a Berom man thereby causing a rowdy session at the occasion.
According to Mohammed he stated that nobody will accept anything less than grazing reserves but the youth leader of Beroms slammed that herders are not indigents so they don’t deserve such treatment.
Speaking further the Youth leader of the Berom stated that they are calling on the Fulani’s to find another place as he said that they don’t have space for cattle rearing.
Meanwhile Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the occasion has refuted allegations of adopting the new ranches policy but reaffirmed that government is still making consultation with stakeholders in the state.
The governor has the cleared air on controversial crisis of grazing reserves and Ranches that; “we are not sizing people farmland but is voluntarily going be donated with adequate compensated from government”.
According to Governor Lalong no one will temper with ancestral farmland but government plan to safeguard it not to be occupied by foreigners.
He raised alarm that different breeds of cattle entered into Nigeria and are not from Nigeria which they always cause unnecessary conflict.
According to him, government wants to avoid incessant clashes between herders and farmers because grazing reserves has continue to trigger serious problem over the years.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden at crest Hotel, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau state.
Governor Lalong advocated for community based cattle ranches which is not excluding to the Fulani but other tribes on the Plateau.
He pointed out that government had recommended that the adoption of policy on ranches have huge economic potential to the farmers who want to venture actively.
He revealed that no decision has been taken by the state government to establish ranches but still under series scrutiny and consultation with stakeholders which is ongoing with careful analyst Underway to redefine the policy.
President, Search for Common Ground, Shamil Idriss said dialogue and peaceful resolution between government and communities remains the best options.
He expressed confidence that if government employ radical awareness campaign it would reduce conflict in the society and the negative consequences.
The Chairman of stakeholders’ dialogue on cattle ranches in Plateau state stresses the need and political propaganda going on in the state by asking the people of Plateau state to embrace the policy which have a lot of benefit to farmers and those who are into ranches.
Prof. Mairubutu reiterated that government had positive program of empowering youths to meet up yearning and aspirations of teeming populace.
According to him, the issue of grazing reserves has been on existence over the years which created more than enough crises to the people.
He disclosed the 14 man committee which was inaugurated by Governor Lalong went round to meet with the minister of agriculture, Hon Audu Ogbe and he assured them of the great benefit.
He noted that government is trying to address problem associated with miscreants who may want to take advantage of this to exploit their avenue.
Sharubutu emphasized that federal government is planning to diversify the revenue toward focusing on agriculture as the main stay of the economy to reduce youth restiveness.
