Information available to us suggests that the association of ethnic groups across the Middle Belt region under the auspices of Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Development Associations, CONAECDA has applauded the planned roadmap by the federal government to resolve the herdsmen/farmers’ conflict in the region.

The Association however raised concerns about the plan to establish grazing routes for herdsmen saying that alone will not solve the problems if the concerns of the ethnic farmers are not looked into and addressed.

In a statement issued in Jos yesterday and signed by Suleman Sukukum, the Association’s Secretary-General it advocated the phasing out cattle routes and grazing reserves but placed emphasis on ranching and curbing of cattle rustling activities with States which have large livestock populations maintaining grazing reserves.

The statement was copied to the Ministry of Agriculture, National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, Director-General State Security Services, Chairman Northern Traditional Rulers  Council, Speaker House of Representatives and the Senate President.

It reads, “We are a network of over 300 Ethnic Community Development Associations representing over 300 ethnic groups in Northern parts of Nigeria.’’

By Marie Theresa Naanlong

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Middlebelt group kicks against grazing reserves for herdsmen