No to open grazing: Ebonyi residents demand alternative livestock management

Martha Iloke, Abakaliki

Residents of Ebonyi State have strongly opposed the Federal Government’s reported plan to introduce open grazing and ranching across Nigeria, citing concerns over rising insecurity and farmer-herder clashes.

The proposal has sparked widespread criticism, with many believing it would exacerbate existing tensions and create more problems.

According to them, the move was capable of escalating the already existing crisis between herders and farmers in the South-East region.

Speaking to our Correspondent in Abakaliki, on Monday, a former Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr Abia Onyike noted the idea was a ploy to perpetuate the alleged conquest agenda of the Fulani herdsmen.

According to him, “The open grazing move of the Federal Government is not popular against the background of the incessant killing of farmers by bandits and herdsmen.

“I support ranching and not open grazing. Some people who are behind open grazing use it as an instrument in pursuit of their conquest agenda.

“It will be very dangerous for the South East to be part of open grazing. It will compound the insecurity in the zone.”

A human rights lawyer in the state, Barr Sampson Ekigbo, kicked against the move, saying it was a soft landing for the farmers-herders crisis.

According to him, “I don’t support open grazing for divergent reasons. This system leads to the loss of crops and other agricultural produce, it may breed crisis and communal war and it doesn’t support proper agricultural mechanisms.

“There’s nothing like ranching and it should not be allowed in our land. No sane person should support open grazing, even our laws outlaw it and it destabilizes national security. There would be a continuous communal crisis that is capable of causing a war between the natives and the ranchers.”

Also speaking, a civil servant and community leader, Elder Peter Oka, said the move should be jettisoned, adding it raises serious security concerns in the state.

He said, “I don’t support the Federal Government’s open grazing/ranching policy in Ebonyi State due to the associated security concerns. Open grazing has led to conflicts between farmers and herders, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of properties, and displacement of communities.

“Given the current insecurity in the land, introducing open grazing in Ebonyi State may exacerbate tensions and create more problems.

“Ranching, on the other hand, could be a more viable option as it promotes controlled grazing, reduces conflicts, and enhances livestock management.

“However, its implementation should be carefully planned, taking into account the interests of local communities and ensuring adequate security measures are in place.

“A more sustainable approach would prioritize dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution mechanisms to address the complex issues surrounding grazing and farming in the region.”