The Federal Government has directed cattle rearers across the country to move their animals into designated grazing reserves, in a renewed effort to end the recurring farmer-herder clashes.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, announced the decision during a two-day media retreat for beat journalists in Abuja.
He disclosed that a roundtable dialogue had been held with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad III, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to ensure livestock no longer roam cities and towns in search of pasture.
“All the animals roaming Abuja city centre will have to be relocated to the grazing reserves. And we mean it—it is going to happen,” the minister stated.
Maiha added that the ministry would launch a national peace campaign aimed at fostering harmony between farmers and herders, as well as ethnic and community groups across the federation.
He also urged the media to shift the narrative from stigmatization to enlightenment, stressing that collective effort is required for the livestock sector to thrive and for sustainable peace to be achieved.