The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on farmers to avoid blocking cattle routes and illegally converting grazing reserves into farmlands across the country.
This was contained in a communiqué signed and issued by the association’s National President, Khalil Mohammed Bello, at the end of its 7th anniversary celebration and National Executive Council meeting held in Damaturu.
KACRAN also warned pastoralists to refrain from destroying farmlands in the course of livestock movement, while calling on both parties to resolve disputes through negotiation, dialogue, traditional rulers, and other peaceful mechanisms rather than resorting to conflict or extrajudicial actions.
“Where pastoralists’ livestock cause damage to farms, KACRAN advises that compensation be paid based on the actual assessed value of the damage.
“We note with concern reports of excessive demands, such as N1,000,000 for a single cow entering a farm, and urge reasonableness and fairness in such matters,” it said.
KACRAN also made a case to both federal and state governments on the need to reclaim and revive grazing reserves and cattle routes across the country.
It said this would reduce unnecessary long-distance movement of livestock from the North through the North Central to the South, which often leads to farm destruction and avoidable conflicts.
“We further call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure lives and property, particularly in the North West and North Central, to enable farmers and herders to operate safely. Security is essential for increased food production for domestic consumption and export”, said the association.
