Farmer/herder conflict: Senate seeks FG-funded ranches across 36 states

The Senate has passed a resolution urging the Federal Government through its newly-created Ministry of Livestock Development, to establish commercially viable ranches in each of the 36 states of the Federation.

It said the move would enhance safety and economic productivity for both herders and local farmers who were frequently at daggers drawn over the right of way, land ownership, and general safety.

The Senate equally resolved to enact a law that would define the limits of economic activities under the ECOWAS protocols.

The resolution came as part of the additional prayers to a “Motion on Urgent Need to Address Incessant Banditry Attacks/Killings and Displacement of Innocent Nigerians in Some Villages at Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.”

Sen. Anthony Yaro (PDP, Gombe-South), who moved the motion, said the December 11 attacks claimed lives, aside from widespread destruction of property by bandits suspected to be herders.

Among the villages attacked were Sansani, Kalindi, Powishi, and Lawushi Daji, where attackers killed residents, burnt houses, and destroyed food supplies and livestock.

The Gombe State Police Command confirmed the killing of a 90-year-old man and two other victims in a night raid by bandits in Billiri last Thursday.

According to the Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, Mr Oquo Etim, three other persons were injured and hospitalised.

Lamenting the frequency of attacks by bandits on villagers while leading the debate on the motion, Sen. Yaro told his colleagues that apart from the immediate communities, the attacks also threatened the peace of neighboring states such as Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa.

Contributing to the debate, former governor of Bayelsa state, Sen. Seriake Dickson, called for the establishment of modern ranches to be funded by the federal government.

Dickson argued that such facilities would enhance safety and economic productivity for both herders and residents.

He suggested a comprehensive approach, involving the Ministry of Livestock Development, to develop a proposal for implementing the ranching initiative across the country.

Pointing out the economic plight of herdsmen who trek long distances from Sokoto to Lagos or Bayelsa, Dickson described ranching as a legitimate business opportunity that could address their challenges and boost local economies.

He stressed the importance of tackling the root causes of the herder/farmer crises, citing the recurring nature of conflicts and the need for a sustainable solution.

Dickson added that the initiative could transform livestock management in Nigeria, promoting peace and fostering economic development nationwide.

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