Don tasks Northern governors on grazing reserves

Dr Awotien George, a don at the Rivers State University (RSU), has urged Northern governors to establish grazing reserves in their states to avoid farmers-herdsmen clashes.

George, who is the Head of Department (HOD), Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, made this call in Port Harcourt on Wednesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The HOD said that this had become necessary because the north had more expanse of land than the south.

He advised the governors to construct earth dams for all-year-round grass production for grazing.

According to him, the north does not have land challenge, unlike southern states, where land disputes usually lead to communal clashes.

“The arable land in the south is not enough for farmers in the region, let alone setting some parts aside for cattle colonies,” George said.

He noted that many had not only lost their farm produce or cows in clashes, but even their lives to the avoidable face off.

George, who is also a farmer, urged the governors to heed his honest advice with a view to ending farmers-herdsmen clashes in the country.

The lecturer noted that apart from constructing earth dams as sources of water for the colonies or grazing, the cattle owner could cultivate fast growing type of grasses.

He said that this would ensure adequate food for the animals round the year.