Miyetti Allah bans underage herders, night grazing in Kwara

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has announced a ban on the use of underage herders and night grazing in Kwara State.

The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, made this announcement during the inauguration of the state’s new executive in Ilorin on Sunday.

Othman-Ngelzarma stressed the need for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, instructing the new executive to prioritise harmony in the region.

“We have directed our members and the new executive to ensure there is mutual understanding between pastoralists and farmers in Kwara State. Trespassing on farmland or allowing underage boys to graze cattle at night is unacceptable,” he stated.

He criticised night grazing as a practice that often incites conflict, noting that anyone engaging in night grazing is intentionally causing trouble.

“We do not support this practice, and those caught will be handed over to the security agencies for appropriate action,” he added.

Othman-Ngelzarma acknowledged the importance of both farmers’ and pastoralists’ livelihoods, noting that a cow holds as much value to a pastoralist as crops do to a farmer.

In addition, he praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for establishing the Ministry of Livestock, which he believes will greatly benefit the economy.

“We have long advocated for this ministry, and we are grateful to President Tinubu for its establishment. Proper management of this ministry could transform the economy, attract foreign exchange, and save the country over $2 billion in importation costs,” he said.

Addressing broader security issues, including criminal activities like kidnapping and banditry, Othman-Ngelzarma called for a unified approach to tackle these problems.

“Criminality should be addressed equally across the country. It is unfair to treat some cases differently. We must all come together, including the media, to solve this problem,” he asserted.

He also urged traditional rulers, security agencies, and non-state actors to clearly define their roles in addressing security challenges.