The Kogi state government yesterday gave a huge boost to the Fulani Herdsmen when it was announced that the government will be giving out 15,000 hectares of land to support the Federal Government’s proposed cattle colony policy.
This was according to the Governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, who was at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Abuja to submit a letter for the handing over of the 15,000 hectares of land to the minister, Chief Audu Ogbe.
Bello noted that the people of Kogi are in support of the Cattle Colonies and would like to help in any way possible.
“The people of Kogi State have keyed into the cattle ranch project 100 per cent. The people are well sensitised and have embraced the programme.” Bello said
He continued “We are also on the compensation process of those whose lands were taken for the programme.”
The Minister, Ogbe, appreciated the gesture and said it was unfortunate that Nigerians did not really understand the concept and therefore are hostile about it.
“It is unfortunate that people have been mischievous about it. We hear all sorts of comments on the media about the issue of cattle colonies, even in the religious circle.
“We are not planning to take land from states for Fulanis to occupy. Even somebody from Bayelsa State is rearing cows in his state and the business is open to all Nigerians.
“We cannot continue to lament and say nothing can be done, but we have to do something, because as a government, we need peace. We don’t want the killings to continue,” he said.