Farmers and herders in Kano State have raised concerns over a possible escalation of clashes as the harvest season approaches.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Kano State chapter, Abdullahi Ali Maibiredi, said dispute between farmers and herders had persisted for years, sometimes resulting in deaths, destruction of property and loss of livelihoods.
Maibiredi called on relevant authorities to urgently intervene and address the situation before it worsens during the harvest period.
He disclosed that he personally lost about 85 percent of his crops last year, saying adequate measures had not been taken to address the recurring problem.
“I personally lost about 85 per cent of my crops last year, yet I did not see the necessary action taken to address the problem,” Maibiredi said.
He urged the government to work towards rebuilding trust and peaceful relations between farming and herding communities while finding lasting solutions to the dispute.
“We are calling on the authorities concerned to intervene and address this problem before it gets worse, especially now that we are entering the harvest period,” he said.
Responding to the concerns, the Kano State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, retired Captain Abdullahi Bakoji, said the association had already warned its members about the situation.
Bakoji identified the expected early return of transhumant herders from Niger as an additional concern this year, noting that some could return to Kano before farmers complete harvesting their crops.
“In previous years, herders migrating to other areas, particularly from Niger, usually returned to Kano after the harvest. But this year, they are expected to return while harvesting is still ongoing,” Bakoji said.
He attributed the development to water shortages in Niger and warned that the early return of herders could increase the risk of clashes.
According to him, MACBAN had already submitted reports and recommendations to the Kano and Jigawa State governments, as well as security agencies, to enable them take preventive measures.
“We have already sent reports and recommendations to the Kano and Jigawa state governments, as well as security agencies, so that preventive measures can be taken before the problem arises,” he said.
Bakoji also identified the closure or illegal occupation of cattle routes, grazing areas and livestock resting points as factors contributing to the recurring dispute.
“One of the roots of the problem is the way some cattle routes, grazing areas and livestock rest points have been closed or occupied illegally. We are therefore calling on the government to urgently look into the matter,” he said.
He added that MACBAN remained willing to engage farmers, government officials and other stakeholders in finding a peaceful resolution.
Although farmers and herders have experienced conflicts in several parts of Nigeria over the years, the situation in Kano has reportedly improved relatively in recent years.
