Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has identified open grazing by herdsmen and the Fulanisation agenda of Fulani nationalities across the globe to make Nigeria their own country as the major factor fueling ethnic conflicts in Nigeria.
He also blamed the raging secessionist agitations in parts of the country on the repulsive agenda as well as the obvious injustice, lack of fairness and equity in appointments and sitting of projects in total disregard to the principles of Federal Character as enshrined in the Constitution as factors fanning the embers of crisis and disunity in the country.
The Governor made this known Friday in his keynote address at the 2021 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Makurdi Branch with the theme: “Open grazing in Nigeria: threat to national and food security, national cohesion and sustainable development.”
Ortom who accused the presidency of a hidden agenda wondered what informed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to opt for open grazing and grazing routes when ranching is the global best practice in animal husbandry and also remains the panacea to the lingering herdsmen crisis in the country.
According to him, “In Nigeria, open grazing has been the practice of livestock production. However, in recent times, the livestock production system has led to conflicts between farmers and herders.
“This is due largely to population growth, infrastructural development and increased economic activities and above all, the Fulanisation agenda of Fulani nationalities worldwide to make Nigeria their own country.
“Across Nigeria, open grazing has led to the invasion of farming communities by Fulani herdsmen leading to massive killings and maiming of people, raping of women, destruction of property, loss of livelihoods, and displacement of persons.
“You might have heard that on March 20, 2021, there was an assassination attempt on me by Fulani militia on my way back from the farm. It took the grace of God for me to survive the attack. As at today, many States in Nigeria have been affected by the activities of marauding herdsmen.
“The negative impact of open grazing which often results in attacks on communities in different parts of the country, adversely affect the local economy as farmers are prevented from accessing their farms and local markets are also deserted for fear of imminent invasion by the killers.
“The continued rise in the attacks by Fulani herdsmen in the country has also led to mass displacement of persons leading to desertion of farm lands. In Benue State for example, over one million people have been displaced and are currently living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and host communities.
“Farmers who have attempted to go back and till their land are either killed or maimed by herdsmen. This has led to food insecurity and poverty in the country thereby affecting the attainment of goals One and Two of the Sustainable Development Goals on Zero Hunger and End Poverty.
“Open grazing of cattle leads to destruction of farm lands and environmental degradation. This has resulted in resistance Enterprise & Opportunities
