By Bashir Bello
Fulani leaders have commended the Kano State Government for its efforts to reclaim 371 encroached grazing reserves, cattle routes (Burtali/Labi), and other pastoral resources across the state.
The leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (FULDAN) disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Kano.
The Kano State Chairman of MACBAN, Capt. Abdullahi Bakoji (Rtd), and his FULDAN counterpart, Sani Adamu, made the disclosure separately to NAN.
Bakoji described the move as a welcome development and a proactive measure to protect grazing reserves and cattle routes in the interest of peaceful coexistence.
He said the encroachment of grazing reserves was responsible for incessant clashes and disputes between herders and farmers.
“We particularly commend Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf for issuing an Executive Order prohibiting the sale, allocation, or unlawful conversion of grazing reserves and cattle routes.
“MACBAN expresses profound appreciation for responding positively to our longstanding concerns regarding the illegal sale and encroachment of grazing reserves and stock routes across the state.
“This courageous and timely decision demonstrates the administration’s commitment to safeguarding critical livestock infrastructure and promoting peaceful coexistence among all communities in Kano State,” he said.
According to him, of particular significance is the establishment of a multi-stakeholder committee comprising Local Government Chairmen, District Heads, Land Officers, representatives of pastoralist communities from each Local Government Area, and leaders of Miyetti Allah.
“The committee adopted a transparent verification process whereby pastoralist representatives identified grazing reserves and stock routes that had allegedly been sold, encroached upon, or diverted over the past two years.
“These submissions were subsequently verified by the relevant District Heads and Land Officers before being formally documented and endorsed by all parties.
“Through this collaborative exercise, the committee reportedly identified 371 grazing reserves and cattle routes that had been affected within the last two years, despite existing government directives intended to protect such areas.
“We wish to emphasise that this initiative is not designed to favour any particular ethnic group, profession, or community,” the chairman stated.
He described the move as a proactive measure aimed at preventing conflicts, strengthening social harmony, and preserving peace and security across Kano State.
Bakoji observed that experience had shown that disputes arising from the loss of grazing reserves and stock routes had contributed to tensions and insecurity in several parts of Nigeria.
“Addressing these issues through lawful and transparent means is therefore in the collective interest of all citizens.
“We believe the actions taken by the Kano State Government represent an important step toward sustainable conflict prevention, effective land management, and the promotion of peaceful relations between pastoralist and farming communities,” Bakoji said.
On his part, the Kano State Chairman of FULDAN, called on the Ministry of Livestock to enforce the measure, noting that this would deter defiant farmers from returning to the reclaimed areas.
Adamu warned that: “If action is not taken, farmers might be tempted to return to the areas as the wet season sets in.”
(NAN)
