Establishment of cattle colonies by the Federal Government to checkmate herders and farmers clashes has been condemned by civil society groups.

Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), a Nigerian leading CSO in a statement said the Federal Government’s decision to establish cattle colonies in the 36 states of the federation will not end killings and sporadic attacks on innocent and defenseless citizens of the Nigeria.

Mr. Emeka Anosike, chairman of the CDHR said what was required was a comprehensive action plan acceptable by every citizen that will permanently solve the crisis and end the mindless slaughter of innocent Nigerians witnessed across the federation.

“We do not support the establishment of cattle colonies because it will breed more crises in the long run and deny owners of the lands the right of ownership.

“Our disagreement is predicated on the fact that the lands which will be donated for the colonies are arable lands belonging to the people which will deny them perpetual access to their lands,’’ he said.

“Nigerian communities are agrarian in nature and need lands for their agricultural activities, hence confiscating the scarce agricultural lands will impede farming activities in our rural communities.

“Again, possible encroachment by either the herdsmen into the lands not allocated to them or the farmers into the colonies may lead to bloody clashes between farmers and herdsmen in future,’’ he added.

FG’s cattle colonies will not end killings –Group

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