The Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has condemned recent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some sections of the country, describing the resultant killings as unacceptable.
The governor made this known over the weekend at a vaccination programme for cattle and other small animals in Garum Malam LGA of the state.
He also called on all herdsmen in troubled spots such as Benue and Taraba and other states to relocate to the state.
Ganduje said Kano had grazing land vast enough to accommodate all the herdsmen.
At 20,131 square kilometres, Kano is the 20th largest state in Nigeria by landmass.
He said, “Fulani herdsmen of Kano origin do not move out of Kano to other states because we have enough grazing land , ranches and traditional stock route . They don’ t have any reason to move out of the state. We take care of them and we accord them the respect and dignity they deserve .
“I am inviting herdsmen from all parts of Nigeria to relocate to Kano because we have enough facilities to accommodate them . We have grazing land in Rogo , Gaya, Kura , Tudun Wada, Ungogo and other places , where facilities have been provided to accommodate the herdsmen and their cattle . ”
Ganduje disclosed that the state was already in advanced discussions with the Federal Government and some foreign partners to convert the Falgore Game Reserve into a modern grazing land.
He added, “Falgore Game Reserve can take care of millions of herdsmen and their cattle in Nigeria . The location has been designed to accommodate schools, human and animal clinics, markets, recreational centres and other social amenities that would provide the herdsmen enough comfort to take care of their animals and transact their business without any hindrance.
“ These killings must stop. We cannot afford to continue to witness these senseless killings in the name of Fulani herdsmen and farmers clash over lack of grazing land when we have a place like the Falgore Game Reserve , which is being underutilised.”