Alex Omenye
The president of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Baba Ngelzarma, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of neglecting Fulani herders in the country and issues that concern them.
“We must accept the fact that Buhari is a Fulani man; he is one of us. But then, this will not stop us from saying the truth about what is going on in the livestock sub-sector. There is outright neglect in the sector. Simple.”
“Even the ranching concept that was introduced under the Livestock Transformation Plan is not one that will solve the problem. We need a model that can suit the peculiarities of the pastoralists that we have.” Baba Ngelzarma said in an interview with Punch Newspapers.
“We need models like developing grazing reserves, which are areas that have been designated for grazing by pastoralists.”
“Some have infrastructures, such as dams, veterinary clinics, and others, in them. But because of the neglect, the structures have been allowed to be dilapidated.
“Even the palatable grass eaten by the cows is no longer there in the reserves. We need a model that will make these reserves attractive to these herders,” Mr. Ngelzarma further highlighted their neglect by President Buhari’s regime.
Farmers/herders clashes were a recurring security situation in Nigeria under President’s Buhari administration but spokespersons of the organization and Buhari’s administration have watered down the issue.
