Plateau Initiative for the Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) has supported the move by the Plateau State Government to control and restrictions of movements of livestock in the State.

Consequent upon this, PIDAN, which is the umbrella body of over 56 indigenous ethnic Community Development Associations in Plateau State, called on the government to send a Bill to Control Open Grazing and Ranches of Livestock. It also said it was ready to partner with the government to ensure that the program is accommodating and effective. This was contained in a statement signed by Stephen Sarki Musa ,the Media Officer PIDAN and made available to newsmen in Jos The statement reads that the decision was arrived at during it’s 4rd Quarter meeting held yesterday and attended by over 45 ethnic Community Development Associations.

“PIDAN, in taking the decision said the Bill when enacted should allow only for private ownership of ranches and that government should not be involved in the acquisition of land for the projects.” ” In order to sustain the program, PIDAN called on the State Government to put in efforts at modernization of agricultural production, adding that advanced ranches will enhance production and productivity” “PIDAN further advised that, the bill should take into cognisance the grey areas of conflicts likely to arise from the enactment of the bill with the view to addressing them in the interests of all the parties involved in the project. ”

The meeting also returned the PIDAN exco for another three years. Those returned are: Dr Aboi Madaki, President, Patrick Gamde, 1st Vice President, Simon Nanswat, 2nd Vice President, Nanle Gujor, Secretary General Stephen Sarki Musa, Media Officer, Ezekiel Habila, Financial Secretary, while the Northern and Southern zones of the State are to produce the Treasurer and Assistant

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PIDAN supports PLSG’s move to control of livestock as a means of ending attacks on farmers