Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, has called for reconciliatory meeting between the Fulanis, Jukuns and Tiv people to ensure peaceful co-existence in Taraba.
The National President of the association, Alhaji Mohammadu Zuru, made the call on Saturday in Jalingo at the swearing-in of the state and zonal executives of the association.
He said that dialogue was critical in resolving the perennial crises between the three ethnic groups in the state.
“The only short-term solution to these incessant crises is an extended dialogue between all the ethnic groups concerned.
“The truth is that there is no crisis between the Fulanis’ Jukuns and Tiv; but there is crisis between the criminal elements in all these ethnic groups.
“Our position is that when all of us are engaged in dialogue under the supervision of the state government, the crises will end,” he said.
Zuru appealed to government at all levels to demarcate cattle routes and grazing reserves across the country to forestall the incessant conflict between farmers and cattle breeders.
“A grazer who lives in the bush hardly benefits from infrastructure which is mostly found in urban centres.
“ We are appealing to government at all levels to provide cattle routes and grazing reserves to herdsmen as compensation for their inability to access to infrastructure and social amenities,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Old Muri, Alhaji Abdullahi Ciroma, had expressed concern over the drought in his domain resulting in the death of some cows.
He appealed to the state government to construct a dam in the area to provide water for animal husbandry and irrigation.
In his remark, the state governor, Darius Ishaku, urged the association to counsel its members on the need to embrace peace being a necessary requirement for rapid socio-economic development.
He urged the association to support and cooperate with his government to enable it execute its policies and programmes for the benefit of the citizens. (NAN)
