The Katsina State Government has demarcated a total of 950km of land that would serve as cattle routes in the state.
The Secretary to the Katsina State Government and Chairman of the State Security Committee, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, said 7,240 demarcation beacon would be erected in the routes for easy identification of the stock routes.
Inuwa said the demarcation exercise would cover the local and international routes, which connects other neighbouring states and Niger Republic.
He said the exercise was aimed at promoting peace and stability between farmers and herdsmen, stressing this would ameliorate the frosty relationship between the cattle breeders and farmers.
The SSG lamented the instances of deliberate of trespass and encroachment on the reserved grazing land specifically earmarked for animals grazing.
He said the phenomenon was pervasive as it has become a common trend nationwide, stressing: “We would not condone the attitude of encroachment on cattle routes and grazing land.”
Inuwa, who went down memory lane, attributed the clashes to the indiscriminate taking over of grazing land by farmers and other selfish individuals, thereby rendering the cattlemen helpless.
He said the search for grazing land and posture were some of the factors responsible for the Fulani and farmers clashes in various parts of the country, adding: “Adding we would ensure lasting peace and stability in our state and the nation in general.”
Inuwa solicited for the usual cooperation and understanding of the stakeholders like security agencies and traditional religious leaders in ensuring harmonious relationship between the herdsmen and farmers.
He said the demarcation exercise would be handled by a committee that would ensure justice and fair play in the exercise devoid of sentiment or any other inimical considerations.
Responding, the chairman of the state standing committee on improving the relationship between the farmers and herdsmen, Alhaji Abdul Aziz Lawal Kasauri, said the essence of the demarcation exercise was to foster smooth passage of the past or a lists as well as prevent clashes, adding some beacons were already erected during the first phase if the exercise.
The affected local government areas are Baure, Ingawa Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kafur, Faskari and Zango.