By Esseh Ikora, Uyo
Against the backdrop of incessant killing of Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Chris Ekpenyong has appealed to the Federal Government to liaise with various State Governments to create Ranches across the country to avert further bloodsheds.
Ekpenyong who spoke in an interview with Newsmen yesterday in Uyo stated that every civilized country designates specific areas as Ranches for Animals of various types stressing that moving animals for grazing the way it is done presently will continue to cause problem and crisis between communities and herdsmen.
According to Ekpenyong, “I have visited many countries across the world and discovered that animals like cows, sheep and goats are reared in Ranches, there is no way Nigeria Government will continue to encourage movement of cows across communities.
“The farmers engage in farming for domestic and commercial purposes, it is unthinkable that a Fulani whose business is cattle rearing would lead his cows into somebody’s farm to feed on his crops will”.
He urged the Federal Government to quickly meet with States and local Government Authorities to designated areas to be used as ranches.
However, there must be proper understanding between the host communities and the Fulani herdsmen. These he stressed would save the nation from needless bloodshed.
