By; SAMSON YAKI, Lafia.
The stakeholders of Agbashi, a community in Nasarawa state has kicked against the approval of 5000 hectares of their land by Al-Makura-led administration for the proposed grazing reserves, an initiative of the Federal Government, saying its a deliberate attempt to re-ignite crisis in the area.
They made this known through its spokesperson, Mr. Benjamin Ikwumokoni after an emergency meeting held Monday.
The meeting was called upon by DPM, Ekye Development Area, Alhaji Kasimu Chindo to consider a letter recieved by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, informing the community of the state government approval of 5000 hectares of land in Agbashi chiefdom as donation from the state government for the FG proposed pardoc/pastures by the Fulani herdsmen in Nasarawa State.
Furious in their various submissions, they maintained that the available land in the locality is not even enough for their farming activities talk more of donating such for grazing purposes by the herdsmen.
“We noted with dismay the invasion of the community by the pastoralists in January 2013 leading to the destruction of lives and property of unimaginable proportion hence the current effort to seize their land which is the only source of livelihood is a deliberate attempt to re-ignite the crisis between the two groups,” the spokesperson stated.
The meeting had in attendance traditional rulers, including the Utushoho of Agbashi, Mr. Moses Alade, security personnel and critical stakeholders of the community among others.
“We remain hospitable, peace loving and accommodating to all and we expect the government to appreciate and reciprocate by
respecting us, our culture and wishes”, he added.
Though President Buhari voted N940m for grazing reserves despite opposition, which has been approved by the National Assembly, but there is not yet a enabling law supporting it.
The bill currently sponsored by Honourable Sadiq Ibrahim (Adamawa), provides for the establishment of the National Grazing Reserve Commission which shall have power to among
other things establish at least one Cattle Reserve in each state of the federation.
