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Senetor Shehu Sani (Senator Representing kaduna-Central) |
Senator Shehu Sani donated money to herdsmen to construct a mini ranch
This is perceived as a way to prevent the nomadic practice of cattle rearing
The herdsmen also complained to the senator that the spate of kidnapping of herdsmen has also increased and welcomed the idea of a ranch In what might be perceived as a noble act done in the pursuit of peace, Senator Shehu Sani met with leaders of Fulani herdsmen and donated N1 million for the construction of a mini ranch.
Herdsmen and farmers have clashed in recent weeks over allegation of cows being allowed to graze in farms. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Senator Shehu Sani gives N1 million to Fulani herdsmen Vanguard reports that Sani visited the herdsmen in the bush in a community in Kaduna and explained to the herdsmen that he was pursuing a bill, tagged the Nomadic Development Commission which would seek to address all their problems.
He said: “I have come into this bush, to keep to my campaign promise that I will return to you to tell you how I am representing you at the National Assembly and to also listened to your complains. You will see me even more in the future.
“I have come here out of my serious concern on what the Fulani man, not only in Kaduna, is Nigeria and is going through “The Fulani man, is seen as a trouble maker, as a murderer and as people who don’t mean well for this country. I am also one of you and I am very disturbed by this development. The Fulani have been great contributors to civilisation, to learning and in the spread of religion throughout Nigeria, West Africa and beyond. “I am here to advise you to do everything within your capacity and respect the laws of the land and to leave in peace with your neighbours.
We must restore the good image of the Fulani. If you are offended, let the world know about your grievance and follow the law to pursue justice. “I have already introduced a bill at the Senate that will take care of your basic problems once and for all. It is called the Nomadic Development Commission. This bill seeks to empower you and will provide technical support that will make you move your herds without clashing with anyone.
It make it possible for you to asses loans and other assistance that will improve your wellbeing and that of your animals. “I cannot solve all your problems, but can do the much I can, and the rest seek for government assistance on your behalf. “In the meantime, I am hereby giving you one million Naira, to arrange a small grazing area in this place. I shall also sink boreholes for you here and I shall also assist your women to acquire some skills, with some start-up funds.”
Ardo Ahamadu Suleiman who is the chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Herders Association in the North West zone said the kidnapping of Fulani herdsmen was on the rise. He said: “There is no day that an elderly man and young woman are not kidnapped. It is not only in this Local Government, but all over the state. We have paid so much ransom that we don’t know what to do. Some families have sold all their cattle, including sheep and chicken to meet the demand. “Right now they are holding an old man from among us here.
They are asking for two million naira. Despite that, they still come over and raid our cows. As if that is not enough, we cannot move our animals freely without farmers accuse us of trespassing. So, we are asking for government to find a place that we can carry out modern ranching. We are tired of wandering around.”
The idea of constructing a ranch to prevent nomadic cattle rearing is however not supported by some Fulani herdsmen who claimed their freedom of movement would be infringed upon.