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We Do Not Kick Against Ban On Open Grazing – Miyetti Allah leader

Published

4 years ago

May 25, 2021

Gidado Siddiki, the leader of the south-east branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has stated that they are not opposed to the ban on open grazing imposed by governors in the Southern area..

In a statement released on Tuesday, May 25, Siddiki said that the Governors should be engaged constructively rather than being denounced.

While the growing proposals for better and more modern mode of livestock keeping could be well taken, the Miyetti Allah leader went on to say that a middle path must be quickly taken in the meantime.

He identified meantime measures such as grazing reserves, stock routes, watering points, and health and education facilities. He also said that “law-abiding herders” had coexisted peacefully with representatives of their host communities in various parts of the world for several years.

He said;

“I do not think we should be quick in rising to condemn the governors over this decision, but rather engage them constructively for the good of all.

“The growing suggestions for improved and more modern mode of livestock keeping could be well taken, but a middle course needs to be quickly negotiated in the interim.

“The herders, due to the nature of cattle rearing, are more on transit and are equally exposed to the wanton camp infiltration by often migrant fellows who are criminally-minded.

“These infiltrators do not spare the law-abiding herders, and for their lawless acts, the entire herders, unfortunately, suffer odium.

“However, no singular group ought to be blamed for the failure of a system to protect and preserve the essence of its being.

“However, the awry activities of some migrant herders have recently provoked unhealthy suspicion against people that have for ages enjoyed the warmth of their neighbourhood.

“There is, therefore, need for a functional engagement to deconstruct the growing hate narrative against our people.”