By Charles Igwe
Abuja, July 16, 2024: Former Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has expressed strong concerns about the presence of herdsmen in the South-East, highlighting the adverse impacts on local farms and communities. Speaking on Channels TV, Abaribe emphasized that Northern Nigeria possesses sufficient land for cattle ranching and criticized the outdated practice of open grazing.
Abaribe pointed out that solutions to the herdsmen crisis are clear but are often ignored. “The best cattle-producing countries operate through ranching. The North has more than enough land for ranching,” he stated. He referenced historical precedents, noting that even former Premier Obafemi Awolowo established ranches.
Addressing the ongoing banditry issue, Abaribe cited the Sultan of Sokoto, who had previously acknowledged that 90% of bandits were Fulani. Abaribe argued that it is unreasonable for herders to roam as far south as Abia State, causing destruction.
Abaribe also mentioned a recent incident where youths in Obingwa, Abia State, sent a distress signal about herders devastating their farms. “There is nowhere in the world where this is done. The sooner we get to grips with that, the better for everybody,” he asserted.
The senator highlighted alternatives, such as Malaysia’s importation of grasses suitable for semi-arid regions, arguing that the issue is not about grass but rather the desire of some to colonize and take over land. He criticized the previous administration’s support for non-Nigerians in these activities.
Abaribe addressed misconceptions about the debate on ranching, noting that some argue that herders do not have states of origin, which he believes undermines the sovereignty and rights of Nigerian citizens. He emphasized the importance of respecting mutual rights and decried the false equivalence made between Igbo spare parts dealers and armed herders.
On the issue of prosecution, Abaribe lamented the lack of accountability for herders who kill and destroy farms. He highlighted the limitations of state laws and the reliance on federal security agencies, stressing the need for decisive action by the government to end such violence and land grabbing.
Abaribe concluded by advocating for the establishment of ranches in herders’ states of origin, referencing former APC National Chairman Ganduje’s assertion that Kano State has enough land for all the cows in Nigeria. He pointed out that Botswana, a smaller country, manages more cattle through proper systems, underscoring that it is a matter of political will and modernization.
He also noted that the National Assembly has not been presented with the specifics of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Ministry of Livestock, highlighting the need for transparency and comprehensive planning.
