The Okun Professionals Network (OPN) has described the move by the federal government to establish cattle colonies in various states as an invitation to war and anarchy.
The group, which consists of professionals in different works of life and all Yoruba speaking people in Kogi West, said the government should completely abandon the idea and look for a better and generally acceptable way of solving the problems associated with cattle herding in the country.
In a statement issued and signed yesterday by its trustees-Lydia Balogun, Bola Sanni, Tani Osho, Bayo Onimode, Tokunbo Olorundami, Victor Oluwafemi and Segun Ologe-which a copy was made available to journalists in Lokoja, the group said establishing a colony from the land already being used for farming activities would create a bigger problem while trying to solve one. It noted that the federal and the state governments should seek better ways that would pacify both herders and farmers without resort to colonizing farmlands belonging to unwilling givers.
“We observe that cattle rearing in Nigeria is no longer a subsistence activity/way of life for a group of people. Rather, it is a multi-billion naira private business, in which most of the cattle are owned by the high and mighty in the society, politicians, traditional rulers, retired and serving military, police officers and civil servants.
“Why should the government subsidise the private business interests of a tiny minority by creating cattle colonies on farmlands that should produce food for the country? the group asked.
