The federal government has said the long
term neglect of cattle rearers in the country is responsible for the
lingering crisis between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria.
The
minister of Agriculture and rural development, Audu Ogbeh said this in
Abuja on Monday during a meeting on the crisis between herdsmen and
farmers.
He said "Over the years, we have not done much to look seriously into the issue of livestock development in the country.
"I
am sad to tell you that in the last 50 years until recently, we may
have done enough for the rice farmer, the cassava farmer, the maize
farmer, the cocoa farmer, but we have not done much for herdsman and
that inability and omission on our part is resulting in the crises we
are witnessing today.
"In Europe, every cow that is farmed gets a
subsidy of 6 Euros per day, we have done next to nothing for the cattle
rearers and as a result, their operations have become threats to other
farmers."
Ogbeh disclosed that the government is planning a programme called "cattle colonies" as part of efforts to end the crisis.
"At least, five thousand hectres of land would be made available, adequate water, adequate pasture would be made available.
"We
also want to stop cattle rearers from roaming about. The cattle will be
provided with water and adequate security by the Agro Rangers," the
minister added.
On his part, the minister of Interior Abdulrahman
Dambazau while speaking during the opening ceremony, said government
would not tolerate insecurity in any part of the country.
While
noting that it was the function of the government to protect the
citizens, he said "the current trend of situation is very bad for the
North and Nigeria in general."
He added that the situation will result to food insecurity in the country if not quickly dealt with.
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