The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing has endorsed the Senate’s decision to advance a bill banning open grazing and establishing ranches, which recently passed its second reading after a heated debate.
The bill aims to address the ongoing violent clashes between farmers and nomadic herders. The Acting National Youth Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, praised the Senate for its progress on the bill, viewing the debate as a hallmark of democracy where diverse opinions are expressed.
Okpalaezeukwu highlighted that the recurring farmer-herder clashes have resulted in significant loss of life, destruction of property, and negative impacts on the Nigerian economy. He emphasized that establishing ranches is essential to managing and mitigating these crises.
“The only sustainable solution to the farmers-herders crisis is through the establishment of ranches,” said Okpalaezeukwu. “Open grazing is costing Nigerians lives and property, jeopardizing food security, and harming the economy.”
He stressed that the fundamental duty of any government is to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens, and open grazing contradicts this responsibility.
Okpalaezeukwu revealed that he has been in contact with the leader of Miyetti Allah in the South East, who assured him that the violent herdsmen are not part of their group and are also endangering legitimate herders’ lives.
“Cattle rearing is not an ethnic issue but a national security concern,” he added. “Many countries that produce more cattle and engage in dairy farming than Nigeria do not face such crises because they do not practice open grazing.”
He urged Nigerians to consider ranching as a viable solution to the ongoing conflicts, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
