17th November, 2017
Plateau Youth G-17 Peace and Progressive Forum
Press Release

PLATEAU YOUTH G-17 PEACE AND PROGRESSIVE FORUM APPLAUDS PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT ON BANNING OPEN GRAZING BUT CAUTIONS AGAINST GOVERNMENT ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR PRIVATE RANCHING

Following the seeming escalation of violence in some parts of Plateau State and the incessant attacks on farming communities by marauding herdsmen, the Plateau Youth G-17 Peace and Progressive Forum receives with joy, the news on the State government’ s decision to send an Executive Bill that will ban open grazing and and make for the establishment of ranches in the state.

While commending the government for listening to the people voices in putting in place a ban on open grazing, we admonish the State Government to consider carefully its planned use of public funds in establishing ranches for private cattle rearing and other forms of animal husbandry as these are personal businesses which should be funded by the individuals desirous of running such ventures. Government can however, provide incentives through guaranteeing credit facilities to these entrepreneurs for the speedy takeoff of the scheme in the state.

We believe that this will go long way in freeing resources that can be channelled into youth empowerment programs and other progressive ventures that will impact the State positively.

It is evident that the ban on open grazing will reduce to the barest minimum, cases of unwarranted attacks on farmers as well as the clashes between herdsmen and farmers which have led to destruction of lives and property, retarded development, created suspicion and distrust among the people.

As a group that believe in peaceful coexistence, unity, harmonious living and prosperity of Plateau State and Nigeria at large, we welcome policies and laws that make for the good governance and overall development as such will promote peace and unity in the state.

The collective voice of the Plateau people shows clearly they are in support of a ban on open grazing and it is incumbent on the government to protect that interest as a sacred responsibility and duty.

Our advocacy for a ban on open grazing has been in the best interest of the State and should be appreciated by peace-loving people of Plateau State.

We will continue to do our best in promoting peaceful coexistence and unity, contribute our quota to the growth and development of the State, as we commend and or, criticize constructively where necessary.

God bless Plateau State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Mr. Dachung Musa Bagos
Convener, Plateau Youth G-17 Peace and Progressive Forum

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PLATEAU YOUTH G-17 PEACE AND PROGRESSIVE FORUM APPLAUDS PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT ON BANNING OPEN GRAZING BUT CAUTIONS AGAINST GOVERNMENT ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR PRIVATE RANCHING