Date: 2017-11-11

Despite the the controversies being generated by the enactment of anti open grazing law which came into effect recently in Benue State, two traditional rulers Kwara have appealed to the state government to introduce a similar law so as to compel herdsmen to keep their cattle in ranches.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the traditional rulers said enactment of the law would drastically reduce persistent clashes between farmers and herdsmen across Kwara State.

One of the monarchs, Alhaji Abdulwahab Adeyemi, Oba of Ilala Kingdom in Ifelodun Local Government Area, said there had been series of clashes in his community between herdsmen and farmers.

"Terrible things happen where farmers were wounded as a result of scuffles on their farms if they protest destruction of their farmlands by livestock.

"Ilala is predominantly an agrarian community but the sad thing is we can't have bumper harvest this year.

"Most of our harvest had been destroyed and when you approach the herdsmen to pay compensation, they end up given you N5, 000 for destruction of farm produce worth N500, 000," he said.

""But I believe that with proper laws in place, nobody will take laws into his hands," he said.

He stated that if the anti-grazing law is put in place, they can agree to allocate land dedicated to serve as ranches, as long as pastoralists do not encroach on farmlands.

"The herdsmen are not our enemies and we can live amicably with proper laws in place," he said.

Also speaking with NAN, Chief Onire Afolabi of Igbonla Kingdom in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, said anti-grazing law was the best option to stop clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

Chief Onire said if cattle are placed on ranches there will be no disturbance or cause for the destruction of farmlands by animals.