The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria says it is not aware of the notice by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu that herdsmen should vacate the forest reserves in Ondo State.
Governor Akeredolu on Monday gave herders seven days to vacate all forest reserves in the state due to the high rate of kidnapping in the state.
READ ALSO: Leave Ondo forests within 7 days – Akeredolu orders herdsmen
While speaking with The Punch, the Secretary-General of MACBAN, Usman Baba-Ngelzerma stated that members of the group had a meeting with Governor Akeredolu but all that was discussed was putting a stop to night grazing and the activities of child herders.
Baba-Ngelzerma who said he’s not aware of Akeredolu’s order added that if such was made, it will be right for the state government to provide an alternative for the pastoralists as they will have no other place to graze.
He said; “The Governor had a two-hour meeting today and the chairman of MACBAN in Ondo State was there. He told me that the agreement they reached was that we should stop night grazing and stop allowing cows to graze around government properties and cooperate with Amotekun and help fish out bad eggs among them.
“That is what we were told. There was no discussion about vacating. But if they asked them to vacate the forest reserves, have they provided an alternative for them to graze? Where will they graze if they leave the forest reserves? he asked.
Baba-Ngelzerma, however, said he would wait for official communication from the Governor before any action can be taken.
“As it is now, we are not aware of any order to vacate. My chairman is not aware of that. Even I just read about it in the media. When we have confirmed, we will know what to do.”
He further said Nigerians must be aware of the fact that not all herdsmen are members of Miyetti Allah.
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