Senator asks states to consider cattle colonies as solution

Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has called on state governments to consider the proposed establishment of cattle colonies as a solution to the lingering herdsmenfarmers conflicts.

Adamu stated this yesterday in Abuja during a press conference in reaction to the recent killings in Benue State.

He said states that are presently objecting to the idea of cattle colonies in their domains, may have a rethink in the nearest future, when they see the benefits of the system.

Adamu, chairman who is of the also senate committee on agriculture, said “Whether it is cattle colonies, ranches or whatever, the moment calls for collective actions to engender peace than calling for the President’s head.

He said it was part of efforts at finding solution to the problem that the Ministers of Agriculture and Internal Affairs met with governors of states most affected by the criminal activities of the herdsmen.

“They came up with suggestions that there is need to establish cattle colonies. This does not appear to go down well with these governors and some other people. I do not think anyone is trying to impose this on states concerned. It is part of search for solution.

“We need to dispassionately examine the merits and the demerits of cattle colonies and cattle ranches. Which is better and more practicable? Is there a third option? Banning the herdsmen from Benue or other states of the federation is not an option because it is unconstitutional, retrogressive and even primitive,” he said.

He condemned the Benue killings saying “The mass killing of our country men and women for whatever reason diminishes all of us. It diminishes our humanity; it diminishes our brotherhood and sisterhood and it diminishes our patriotism.”