Herdsmen Killings: Why FG Substituted Ranches For Cattle Colonies -AUdu Ogbeh

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Audu Ogbeh on Thursday gave reasons why the Federal Government replaced the plan to create ranches with that of cattle colonies.

He said: “Ranching is more of an individual venture for those who want to invest, but cattle colony is bigger in scope and size.

“It is going to be done in partnership with states government who wish to be part of it. Already 16 states have volunteered land. Nobody is going to seize land from any community for the project.”

He gave the explanation during a meeting with Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong.

He added that “Cattle colony is not using Fulani herdsmen to colonize any state. It is going to be done in partnerships with state governments that would like to volunteer land for it. Federal government will fund the project and those wishing to benefit from it will pay some fees.”

Gov Lalong said he came to visit the minister to get clarifications on the new policy of cattle colony, while adding that his state would participate in the project, as long as it is capable of providing lasting solution to the herdsmen and farmers clashes.