Following the enactment of anti-grazing bill by the Benue State Government, Fulani herdsmen have moved 10 million cows into Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State
Chairman of Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the area, Alhaji Musa Muahhed-Mati, said two million cows had been moved to Nasarawa as of Friday.
Muahhed-Mati, who expressed worry about the action taken by Benue State government, explained that the association was collaborating with the Nigerian Army, the police and other relevant stakeholders in Nasarawa State to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
He chided Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State for not finding alternative means of grazing for herdsmen before enacting the anti-grazing bill.
He said, “Our major problem is fear of our cows, particularly since farmers have yet to harvest their crops from their farms.
“We are in difficult situation. We are trying our best to ensure that peace reigns between us and the host community in Awe.”
A farmer in Awe, Abigail Bitraus , said she had to quickly rush to her farm to harvest her rice when she heard about the cattle being moved in by the herdsmen; even though, it was not the appropriate time to do so.
She said, “The large number of Fulani herdsmen and their cows scare me. When I learnt that they were relocating from Benue State to Nasarawa State, I had to rush to my farm to harvest my rice.”
Leave a Reply