Don prescribes ranching as panacea to frequent clashes

Professor Peter Emeka Arinze of the Department of Economics, University of Jos, has suggested the creation of cattle ranches as panacea to herdsmen/farmers clashes in parts of the federation.

Opposing the proposal for cattle colonies, the don feared that the disturbing development was posing serious danger to the country’s corporate existence.

He told The Guardian in Jos that the harmony and unity of the nation must not be threatened by the mindless killings, stating that most of the cattle on the streets belonged to politicians but only use herdsmen as cover.

Arinze said: “Most of the cattle that are being reared belong to our politicians, Muslims and Christians together. Some of our politicians own about 300 to 3000 cattle. Most of the cattle we see on the streets or in the farms are not owned by the herdsmen who drive them in different farms and streets.”

According to the university lecturer, the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers were endangering Nigeria’s food security, disrupting school programmes, posing security threat, inflicting diseases and creating needless refugee camps everywhere in the communities.

He continued: “To tell ourselves the truth, these challenges must be resolved if Nigeria should remain one and foster economic growth and prosperity. Some people in government are advocating cattle ranches or colonies in all the states of the federation. This makes people suspect that there is a political motive or hidden agenda behind all this.

“Nigeria is a democratic free enterprise. We are not practising dictatorial socialism where government could impose its will on the people. Cattle rearing is a private business and farming also is a private business. For the government to suggest cattle colonies in all the states of the federation is a primitive economic policy.

“The capitalist system is characterised by private ownership of resources and the freedom of individuals to engage in the economic activities of their choice as a means for advancing their material well being and self-interest is the driving force of such an economy.”