Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Rashid Adewumi Aderinoye, made the call in Makurdi, Benue State, when he led board members on a visit to Governor Gabriel Suswam.
He also appealed that the proposed mapping out and gazetting of grazing reserves should involve provision of infrastructural and social amenities such as electricity, water, fodder bank, schools and health centres.
“It is our view that the eradication of nomadism should be a gradual process to avoid cultural shock,” he said.
Prof. Aderinoye said the appeal was necessary in view of the federal government’s plan to establish grazing reserves in the country to curtail frequent clashes between farmers and nomadic Fulanis.
The commission also harped on the need for mass education, mobilisation and dialogue with target group in order to create understanding and mutual trust.
Meanwhile, Aderinoye intimated that the current enrolment of nomadic pupils in 29 functional schools in the state stands at 3,592, with only 166 teachers which he said was grossly inadequate.
