Nigerian Governors Forum , the Leadership of Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Fulani Association on monday met in Akure to discuss the way out of incessant attack on people by criminals suspected to be herdsmen.
NGF led by its Chairman, Dr. Kayode Fayemi also have on attendance , Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, Oyo state Governor Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, and their counterpart from the state of Osun Chief Gboyega Oyetola
The meeting which was held at The Dome international event centre Alagbaka Akure Ondo state aimed at finding lasting solutions to the incessant killings, kidnapping and crises between herdsmen and farmers in the Southwest geo-political zone of the country.
At the meeting the governors urged the cattle rearers to embrace and be committed to modern breeding process by creating grazing reserves and practice ranching to prevent cattle roaming about.
The governors insisted that no one had sent anyone away from any state or region but all hands must be on deck to fight criminality. Adding that there is the need to build partnership for peace and security with MACBAN and jointly wage war against criminality.
MACBAN on their parts claims that they also suffers insecurity and kidnapping and thus desire peaceful coexistence as a law abiding organization which does not habour or condone criminals
According to the communique issued at the end of the meeting, they agreed that Night grazing should be banned henceforth, Under age herding is Inimical to security and hence be banned and occupation of State Forest Reserves illegally is condemned.
There must be an enduring framework with MACBAN in a way that will help address security issues.
Also free range grazing must be stopped to avoid conflicts between the farmers and the herders
As a means of strengthening the security in the zone it was so agreed that a standing Committee comprising of farmers, MACBAN and the Government should be set up in each state (where they don’t exist) to ensure synergy and result
