I will deal with you if you encroach on farms – Al-Makura warns herdsmen

The Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura has vowed to deal with herdsmen who violate government grazing rules by encroach on farms where crops are destroyed by their cattle.

According to Al-Makura, his administration will stop at nothing in taking stringent measure against any herdsman that goes beyond the demarcations that were dedicated for grazing.

The governor gave the warning at the launch of the sale of fertiliser for the 2017 cropping season in Agyaragu village in Jenkwe Development Area of the state.

He also seized the opportunity to preach peace between farmers and herdsmen on the intermittent conflict which has affected food production in the state.

Al-Makura said: “Let me send a note of serious warning particularly to our herdsmen, we have seen what has become of the season recently where several farmlands have been bastardised.

“I will like to appeal to our herdsmen to limit their grazing to the areas that are dedicated for grazing because government will not take it lightly with anyone that goes beyond the demarcations that are dedicated for grazing to encroach on farms where crops are destroyed because this has the chances of creating food scarcity which we cannot afford.

“At this juncture, I should take the liberty of this occasion to continue to preach peace and harmonious coexistence among our communities.

“Let me also appeal to our herdsmen and farmers to live in peace with one another to ensure maximum yield from our farmers. This is the only way we can be sure of agricultural production that can enhance growth and development of the state.”

He also encouraged the farmers to be considerate and not cultivate farms on routes meant for grazing.

“I will also like to ask the farmers to give consideration by leaving fallow areas that are not being used for the cropping season for the purposes of their colleagues (the herdsmen)”, Governor Al-Makura urged.

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