Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Audu Ogbeh explained yesterday why the Federal Government substituted the plan to create ranches with that of cattle colonies.
He said: “Ranching is more of an individual venture for those who want to invest, but cattle colony is bigger in scope and size. It is going to be done in partnership with states government who wish to be part of it. Already 16 states have volunteered land. Nobody is going to seize land from any community for the project”,
Speaking yesterday during a meeting with Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, Ogbeh added:
“Cattle colony is not using Fulani herdsmen to colonize any state. It is going to be done in partnerships with state governments that would like to volunteer land for it. Federal government will fund the project and those wishing to benefit from it will pay some fees.”
Lalong said he came to visit the minister to get explanations on the new policy of cattle colony.
The governor added that his state would participate in the project, provided it is capable of providing lasting solution to the herdsmen and farmers clashes.