Group rejects presidential committee’s open grazing recommendation

-says proposal could trigger further violence

September 20, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The presidential committee on livestock reforms, established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sparked controversy with its recommendation of open grazing.

The Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) swiftly condemned the proposal, labeling it “destructive and retrogressive.”

The group General Secretary, Mr. Popoola Ajayi, expressed concerns that the recommendation prioritizes Fulani interests at the expense of indigenous Nigerian communities.

This development raises concerns about escalating violence between herders and farmers, a longstanding issue in Nigeria.

According to the group “The report is what Yoruba call Agbeleko, written in the bedroom of a few people. They didn’t listen to the people, the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Iteskiri, Idoma, Tiv, Igala, Ebira, Angas,Birom farmers. The recommendation for open grazing is a recipe for greater violent clashes in Nigeria. It shows that the ruling class is adamant to destroy the country”

However, The conflict between herders and farmers has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced many communities.

In fact, between January and June 2018, over 1,300 people were killed in violence involving herders and farmers, with Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa states being the most affected.

“The recommendation to allow open grazing has been met with skepticism, particularly from communities that have suffered losses due to herder-farmer clashes” AYDM argued.

More so, many argue that open grazing perpetuates the cycle of violence and undermines efforts to find sustainable solutions to the conflict.

Speaking with an indigenous farmer from Kwara state who wants to remain anonymous, said “As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Government will address the concerns of all stakeholders involved.

“One thing is clear, finding a peaceful and sustainable solution to the herder-farmer conflict requires inclusive dialogue and thoughtful consideration of all interests” The farmer maintained position.