We need RUGA in the North

It is the constitutional and fundamental right of every Nigerian to be treated with respect in his or her own uniqueness. Government has the prime responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of all Nigerians.

The conflicts in the country are too many but I want to suggest how we can overcome the rampant cases of hostilities between farmers and herders in all the regions.

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The government has to return to its initial initiative of creating Rural Grazing Areas (RUGA) which was rejected by many, citing lack of clarity and constitutional impediments on the use of land in the states.

The herders’ tradition of moving from the North to the South has to stop as it continues to create problems between farmers and herders with deadly results.

The northern part of the country, where a greater number, if not all the herders come from, has enough land to accommodate the RUGA initiative.  Our 19 governors in the North have bigger responsibilities in implementing this programme.

There is also enough land area to engage in the production of animal feed.

This initiative, if properly executed, may also woo investors in the area of milk production, hides and skin.

I believe if we have rejected RUGA as a collective people, we need RUGA as specific people.

We need RUGA in the North.

Mohammed Auwal Umar writes from Maiduguri