The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, says the Anti-Open Grazing law in Benue state is one-sided and borne out of “hate” for herdsmen.
According to Sanusi, who also admitted being a patron of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders, there has not been enough investment in cattle rearing in Nigeria.
He said this in reaction to the recent killings by herdsmen in parts of the country.
Sanusi noted that if the government and other stakeholders had taken cattle rearing seriously by building ranches and grazing reserves for herdsmen, the nation would have gained more.
“I fully support all efforts to attract investment into cattle rearing. This is global best practice. Capital is put into development of ranches and grazing areas, herdsmen settle,” the Emir told Punch.
“Their cattle are healthier and fatter, they sell milk and milk products and beef, their children go to school and they are economically much better off.
“This is what we all want. But in Benue and Taraba, the approach has not been one of including and supporting and regulating herdsmen but of isolation and hate.
“I am happy Governor Lalong of Plateau has publicly stated that he advised Governor Ortom of Benue to tread carefully.
“I can confirm that I personally spoke to Governor Darius Ishaku before his public hearings on his law and begged him to slow down until he has worked out proper implementation but he refused.”
