Ranching, Only Solution to Herdsmen/Farmers Clashes – Gov. Ishaku

Ranching, Only Solution to Herdsmen/Farmers Clashes – Gov. Ishaku

The American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. William Stuart seated with the Executive Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku during his visit to the State

Taraba State governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku has said that the state open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law was the only solution to clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

Governor Ishaku disclosed this when he received the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. William Stuart who paid him a courtesy call at government house, Jalingo on Thursday.

The governor who explained that the population of the country in 1950s and 60s was no longer the same said Nigeria must adopt ranching to end frequent clashes and other challenges associated with open grazing. 

“Cattle rearers cannot continue to be moving up and down in the bush with a lot of risks associated with such movements. They need a better life and that is what we are trying to do by enacting open grazing prohibition law. It’s unfortunate that some people who don’t have knowledge of what we are trying to do are constantly attacking us and giving some colouration to the law. One Emir had been attacking me but I won’t join issues with him because as a governor I am presiding over people of different cultures and religious beliefs whom I must protect. The Emir is perhaps speaking out of ignorance,” he said.

While soliciting the support of the  American government in finding ways of bringing peace to the state and other parts of the country, the governor commended the American government for upholding the interest and welfare of their people.

“In America, if one person is killed, America will go to war. But that is what we are lacking in Nigeria. I don’t control any security and taking decision is most times very difficult as people are always up to ethnicise and attach religious and political sentiments to almost every decision you take,” he said.

He pledged to do everything possible to solidify the relationship with the American government and call on investors to take advantage of the abundant natural resources endowed in Taraba to invest in the state. 

Earlier, the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. William Stuart Symington said he was in the state to learn about the people of the state and by extension Nigeria.

Stuart called on Nigerians to always remember that they can never be Nigerians without Nigeria and urged them to always protect the unity of Nigeria.

“The strength of Nigeria lies in their diversity, and I want to urge Nigerians harnessed these diversities for the good of the country. Any time I have interactions with Nigerians, I ask them to always and frequently say what they love about Nigeria. I am happy working in Nigeria than any other country because Nigerians are hardworking and resilient people. Where I want to see improvement is for Nigerian women to rise up for leadership positions in the country,” he said.