1st August, 2013
The government of the northwestern Nigerian state of Kebbi on Thursday inaugurated a committee on the prevention of clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.
Alhaji Nasiru Masama, Senior Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor on Nomadic Activities, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the committee would design a time table for the movement of the cattle to and from grazing fields to avoid encroachment into farmlands.
The special adviser said that in discharging its duties, the committee would collaborate with relevant ministries and departments for the rehabilitation of grazing fields, establishment of pasture land and designing of cattle routes.
Masama said that the committee would be directly supervised by the governor while Local Government chairmen, traditional rulers, members of the Cattle Breeders Association and All Farmers Association of Nigeria would be members.
“In recent times, there has been peace between herdsmen and farmers,” he said, adding: ”we will ensure sustained harmonious relationship between farmers and the nomads”.
Masama said that the State Government had earmarked N3.1 million for the procurement of animal feeds to be sold at subsidised rates to nomads.
“The sale would commence at the designated zones in Bagudo, Argungu, Zuru and Yauri Local Government Areas.”
He said that animal vaccines had also been procured to save animals from diseases, calling on livestock farmers to avail themselves of the vaccination exercise.