Ruga settlement is to resolve farmer/herdsmen conflicts – Presidency

The Presidency on Sunday declared that Ruga settlements is aimed to resolve farmers/herders conflicts across the country.

There have been increasing opposition to the establishment of Ruga settlements in parts of the country.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, reads ‘The Presidency wishes to draw attention to recent unhelpful comments regarding the plan to stop roaming of cattle herders with the attendant clashes with farmers.

“Ruga Settlement” that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.”

According to him, beneficiaries will include all persons in animal husbandry, and not only Fulani herders.

The Federal Government, he said, is planning the Ruga settlementsin order to curb open grazing of animals that continue to pose security threats to farmers and herders.

He said “The overall benefit to the nation includes a drastic reduction in conflicts between herders and farmers, a boost in animal protection complete with a value chain that will increase the quality and hygiene of livestock in terms of beef and milk production, increased quality of feeding and access to animal care and private sector participation in commercial pasture production by way of investments.

“Other gains are job creation, access to credit facilities, security for pastoral families and curtailment of cattle rustling.

“Stripped of the politics and howling that has attended the recent comments, there is no government plan to seize state land, colonize territory or impose Ruga on any part of the federation. Government has made it clear time and again that the programme is voluntary.