Ranching Is The Only Solution To Farmers/Herdsmen Clashes- Governor

Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba has advocated the need for cattle breeders to stop open grazing and embrace ranching.

He submitted that is the only way to put a stop to the frequent violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the country.

The governor said this on Thursday when he played host to the American Ambassador to Nigeria, William Stuart, who was on a courtesy call to the state.

The governor, explained that Nigeria as a nation must adapt to the increased population of the country and learn to live peaceably with one another.

“Cattle breeders cannot continue to move through the bush with a lot of risks associated with such movements.

“They need a better life and that is what we are trying to do by enacting open grazing prohibition law.

“It is unfortunate that some people, who don’t have knowledge of what we are trying to do, are constantly attacking us and giving wrong colouration to the law,” he said.

Mr. Ishaku also used the opportunity to stress the need for state police as a way of combating security challenges in individual states that make up the federation.

“In America, if one person is killed, America will go to war. That is what we are lacking in Nigeria.

“As a governor, I don’t control any security apparatus which makes it difficult for me to take concrete decisions on security. Whatever decision I take, critics see it from either ethnic, religious or political angle. This is bad,” he said.

Earlier, Mr. Stuart revealed his love for working in Nigeria, while calling on Nigerians to allow unity in diversity.

“The strength of Nigeria lies in its diversity; Nigerians must harness these diversities for the good of the country.

“Any time I have interactions with Nigerians, I always ask them what they love about Nigeria.

“I am happy working in Nigeria than any other country, because Nigerians are hardworking and resilient people,” he said.