Farmers and stakeholders in Nigeria’s South-South region have raised an urgent alarm, calling on President Bola Tinubu and governors of oil-producing states to take decisive action against herders who continue to invade farmlands, destroy crops, and threaten food security.
Vanguard Newspaper, in a post on its official X handle, highlighted the growing tension as farmers vowed not to tolerate further destruction of their livelihood. With the planting season about to commence, they have issued a stern warning: any further incursions by herdsmen will not be condoned.
The stakeholders, who have consistently opposed open grazing, dismissed claims by the Fulani socio-cultural group, Miyetti Allah, that herders lack the means to transition to ranching. They insist that the government must enforce strict measures to prevent another cycle of destruction and clashes.
Currently, a bill before the National Assembly seeks to establish the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission, which would regulate and manage ranching nationwide. However, Miyetti Allah’s National Secretary, Saleh Alhassan, remains defiant, arguing that such laws are unjust and unenforceable.
“The law will not work. No one will respect it because you cannot destroy our economy overnight through a mere pronouncement. They want to push us into rebellion, but they will fail,” Alhassan declared.
Despite resistance from Miyetti Allah, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has endorsed a gradual transition from open grazing to ranching, urging the federal government to safeguard herders’ interests while addressing security concerns.
Farmers across the South-South are already feeling the impact of herder migration due to security crackdowns in other regions. Comrade Jay Usiegbu, Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), lamented the dire situation.
“In Edo State, herders displaced from the South-West have moved into our communities, making farming nearly impossible. Farmers in Sobe and Owan axes couldn’t access their lands during harvest. The government must provide land for ranching and enforce laws against trespassers,” Usiegbu said.
Delta State Livestock Management Committee Coordinator, Mr. Matthew Ujene, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the financial losses suffered by farmers.
“Herders destroy farmland worth N2 million and pay just N200,000 in compensation. This is unacceptable. Ranching is the only sustainable solution,” Ujene stressed.
Bayelsa Farmers Call for Protection
In Bayelsa, farmer Samuel Ese commended Governor Douye Diri for maintaining relative peace but urged him to strengthen protections for farmers and their crops.
“While the anti-grazing law has reduced the number of herders in Bayelsa, some stubborn ones still defy it. The government must remain vigilant,” he said.
Experts Warn of Larger Conspiracy
Prominent voices have weighed in on the crisis, describing it as a well-orchestrated plot. Environmentalist Alagoa Morris insisted that cattle rearing is a private business and should not be treated as a national concern.
“Herders cannot dictate terms to Nigeria. They must acquire land legally and conduct their business responsibly. Allowing them to roam freely while destroying others’ livelihoods is an injustice,” Morris asserted.
Development consultant Surveyor Furoebi Akene went further, suggesting that a powerful cartel is using herders to test-run an expansionist agenda.
“This is not just a herder-farmer conflict; it is an invasion. These herders are armed, yet the government looks the other way. Who is arming them? Why are they immune to prosecution? If the South-South fails to act now, they will pay dearly in the future,” Akene warned.
Time for Government to Act
With tensions escalating and farmers on the verge of taking matters into their own hands, the federal and state governments must act decisively. Establishing ranches, enforcing anti-grazing laws, and holding perpetrators accountable are crucial steps in preventing a full-scale crisis.
Will the government heed the warnings, or will it wait until Nigeria faces an irreversible food crisis?
PIONEER NEWS 