KTSG EARMARKS 950KM CATTLE ROUTE TO PROMOTE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

By Pat PA Okon

The Katsina State Government has demarcated a total of 950km of land to what would serve as cattle routes in the state.

The Secretary to the Katsina State Government and Chairman of the State Security Committee, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, who announced this in Katsina on Tuesday said 7,240 Demarcation Beacons would be erected in the routes for easy identification of the stock routes.

He said the demarcation exercise would cover the local and international routes which connects other neighbouring states and Niger Republic.

He said the government exercise was aimed at promoting  peace and stability between farmers and herdsmen, stressing this would ameliorate the frosty relationship between the cattle breeders and farmers.

The SSG lamented the instances of deliberate tresspass and encroachment on the reserved grazing land specifically earmarked for animal grazing.

He said the phenomenon was pavassive as it has become a common trend nationwide, stressing we would not condone the attitude of encroachment on cattle routes and grazing land.

Inuwa who went down memory lane attributed the clashes to the indiscriminate taking over of grazing land by farmers and other selfish individuals thereby rendering the cattlemen helpless.

He said the search for grazing land and pasture were some of the factors responsible for the Fulani and farmers' clashes in various parts of the country, adding "we would ensure lasting peace and stability in our state and the nation in general.

He solicited for the usual cooperation and understanding of the stakeholders like security agencies, traditional and religious leaders in ensuring harmonious relationship between the herdsmen and farmers.
                                                             

He said the demarcation exercise would be handled by a committee that would ensure justice and fair-play in the exercise devoid of sentiments or any other inimical considerations.

Responding, the chairman of the state standing committee on improving the relationship between the farmers and herdsmen, Alhaji Abdul Aziz Lawal Kasauri, said the essence of the demarcation exercise was to foster smooth passage of the pastoralists as well as prevent clashes, adding some beacons were already erected during the first phase of the exercise.

The Katsina Media and Publicity reports that the affected local government areas are Baure, Ingawa Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kafur, Faskari and Zango.