By Olamide Francis
The Northern Governors’ Forum has taken sides with those opposed to open grazing of cattle in the country, saying the current system of open grazing, operated by herders in the country, is no longer sustainable.
The forum made this known in a statement issued by its chairman and governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong.
According to the communiqué, the Northern Governors will aggressively sensitise herdsmen on the need to adopt new methods of herding by ranching or other acceptable modern methods.
It said that the Northern Governors would engage elders and youths in discussions, to seek solution to security challenges in the North.
“In view of that, a four-man committee, to be headed by the Chairman of the forum, was established.
“The Forum condemns every form of criminality whether from herders, hunters, or farmers occupying forest reserves illegally.
“Also, it noted with concern the tension generated by the eviction order issued to herdsmen in some parts of the country.
“It observed that this is heating the already fragile security atmosphere with threats of reprisals, which the Northern Governors are working assiduously to contain,’’ the statement read in part.
Lalong called for restraint from leaders, including those in the Southern parts of the country where tensions are high.
He also called on all Northern people to continue to live in peace with all Nigerians, irrespective of their origins and backgrounds.