Miyetti Allah Embraces End To Open Grazing In Benue, Signals New Era Of Peace.
In a landmark move towards resolving the long-standing conflicts between herders and farmers in Benue State, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has declared that open grazing is no longer sustainable in the region. The association has pledged to support initiatives aimed at phasing out the practice and fostering peace in rural communities, marking a significant step forward in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, comes as a beacon of hope for Benue State, where clashes between pastoralists and farmers have caused significant loss of life and property over the years. MACBAN’s commitment to embracing modern cattle-rearing methods, such as ranching, aligns with the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, enacted in 2017 to curb the violence associated with open grazing.
Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, convened by the Benue State Government, MACBAN’s state chairman, Ardo Mohammed Risku, emphasized the need for sincerity in implementing ranching initiatives. “Let us be sincere about ranching. We are ready to work with the government to ensure peace and sustainable practices,” Risku stated, urging all cattle owners, regardless of ethnicity, to adopt ranching to prevent further conflicts.
The meeting, attended by local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and MACBAN representatives, was facilitated by the Special Advisers on Security to Governor Hyacinth Alia. Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, reiterated the state’s commitment to enforcing the anti-open grazing law, noting that it applies to all livestock owners, not just herders. “The law is in force, and we urge all to comply by ranching their livestock. This is a business, and it must be conducted responsibly to protect our communities,” Har said.
MACBAN’s shift in stance follows years of tension over the anti-open grazing law, which the association initially opposed, citing concerns over its impact on pastoralists’ livelihoods. In 2017, MACBAN challenged the law in court, arguing it was discriminatory, but the case did not overturn the legislation. Over time, the association’s position has evolved, with its national leadership previously expressing support for modernizing cattle rearing to address the farmers-herders crisis. In 2021, MACBAN’s National Patron, Senator Walid Jibrin, called for grazing reserves equipped with modern amenities to replace open grazing, a practice he described as outdated.
This latest development has been met with cautious optimism by local communities and stakeholders. The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse, urged herders to expel criminal elements from their ranks to ensure the success of peace initiatives. “Drive out the ‘mad men’ among you who are killing our people. Peace is possible if we work together,” the monarch said at a recent gathering.
The Benue State Government has also called on MACBAN to demonstrate its commitment to peace by fully complying with the law. Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Animal Husbandry, Alhaji Shehu Tambaya, emphasized that the law does not discriminate and has been enforced against livestock owners of all ethnicities. “If MACBAN members are truly indigenes of Benue, they should join hands with the government to develop the state,” Tambaya said.
The move towards ranching is seen as a viable solution to reduce the environmental degradation and conflicts caused by open grazing. Experts suggest that modern ranches, supported by infrastructure such as veterinary services, water points, and markets, could transform cattle rearing into a more sustainable and profitable enterprise. The Ondo State chapter of MACBAN has already adopted a feedlot system as an alternative to open grazing, reporting improved productivity and reduced clashes with farmers.
As Benue State embarks on this new chapter, the collaboration between MACBAN, the state government, and local communities will be crucial in ensuring lasting peace. With both sides expressing a willingness to work together, there is renewed hope that the days of violent clashes in Benue’s rural heartlands may soon be a thing of the past.
