Catholic Bishops Want Buhari To Build Ranches In Cattle-rearing States

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has asked the Federal Government to focus on building cattle ranches in states where cattle rearing is prevalent.

A delegation of the CBCN, led by its president, Ignatius Kaigama, stated this during a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa in Abuja.

In an address, delivered by Mr. Kaigama, the Catholic Bishop of Jos Arch Diocese, the CBCN called on Mr. Buhari to investigate the recent attacks by herdsmen in Agatu, Benue State; Nimbo community in Umuchigbo, Enugu State, and parts of Delta as well as Nasarawa States, among others and declare the perpetrators of the attacks, insurgents.

“Cattle ranches should be created in states known for cattle breeding, with adequate water and fodder provided and nurtured.

“Farmland for root crops and other plants should be protected for their specific products in states known for such.

“This will reduce or eliminate clashes stemming from trespassing,” Mr. Kaigama said.

The CBCN leader charged the Federal Government to focus on disarming herdsmen, saying that the perpetrators of violence should not be allowed to force Nigerians to live in perpetual fear of their follow citizens.

“The fact that armed attacks and wanton killings have become a national threat, it should be declared an insurgency and treated as such, with the aim of dislodging the insurgents from occupied communities by the security and military operatives.