Bassa/Jos North Leaders Renew Call for Ranching to End Farmer-Herder Conflict

Leaders and representatives from Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency have reiterated the call for the full implementation of ranching as the only sustainable solution to the persistent farmer-herder conflicts in Plateau State.

The call was made during a courtesy visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang by a delegation led by Hon. Daniel Asama, the member representing Bassa/Jos North in the House of Representatives.

The delegation, which included traditional rulers, lawmakers, and youth leaders, expressed deep concern over the increasing violence, destruction of farmlands, and loss of lives caused by the conflict.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Hon. Asama emphasized that ranching is essential for lasting peace, explaining that the ongoing conflict arises from the struggle for survival—farmers protecting their crops while herders search for grazing land.

According to him, without designated areas for livestock, clashes will continue.

“The issue is that everyone is trying to survive. Farmers depend on their crops, and herders rely on their cattle. But when cattle stray onto farms and destroy crops, conflict arises. Ranching will eliminate this problem by ensuring that livestock are confined to specific areas,” he stated.

He further disclosed that the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the crisis and is considering measures to enhance security and stability in the affected areas.

His Royal Highness, Bran Ngwe Rigwe, Ronku Aku, decried the continued violence in his domain, stressing that no leader wants to see his people being wiped out.

He warned that if the killings persist, communities would be left desolate, making governance meaningless.

“Nobody would like to see his people being killed. And when we are all killed, then what? You can’t rule the stones, you can’t rule the trees,” he lamented.

He also emphasized the need to uphold the 2022 peace agreement between the Fulani and the Irigwe ethnic groups, stating that implementing key aspects of the agreement would help foster peace.

He pointed out that some Fulani residents in Irigwe land have been living peacefully with farmers, proving that peaceful coexistence is achievable when agreements are respected.

On his part, the National President of the Irigwe Youth Movement, Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini, insisted that ranching remains the only viable solution to preventing further conflicts.

He explained that the destruction of farmlands by livestock often triggers reprisals, fueling a cycle of violence.

“If cattle do not graze on farms, there will be no conflict. It is as simple as that. Farmers have a right to protect their land, just as herders have a right to rear their cattle. The solution is to separate the two, and that is what ranching will achieve,”he said.

While calling for urgent intervention, he expressed concern that despite repeated attacks, community leaders have continued to urge the youth to remain peaceful.

He, however, warned that frustration was growing among the people, who feel their patience is being tested.

“Just last week, the vigilante commander of Bassa Local Government was killed on his farm, yet we still pleaded with our people to stay calm. But let me tell you, some of us are now facing threats, even from our own people, because they feel that asking for peace means we are not doing enough to defend our communities,”he noted.

Also lending his voice, Hon. Eli Bako Ankala, representing Rukuba/Irigwe Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, stressed that free grazing is no longer sustainable due to increasing population and environmental changes.

He recalled that he had previously moved a motion for the establishment of Operation Rainbow outposts in boundary areas to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.

According to him, no matter how much farmland is protected, allowing livestock to roam freely will always lead to encroachment. He urged the government to take decisive steps in fully implementing ranching policies, as it remains the only way to resolve the crisis.

The leaders, therefore, called on both the state and federal governments to take urgent action in implementing ranching policies, warning that failure to do so would only prolong the cycle of violence and continue to threaten peace and development in Plateau State.