Gombe prohibits underage herders, restricts farmers, cattlemen activities

The Gombe State Government on Friday declared that under aged herders have been prohibited from operating within the state. The state also resolved to fix farming, grazing times to mitigate reoccurring farmers, herders clashes, especially during harvest.

Announcing the decision of the council on expanded security on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Julius Ishaya said the farming season has not been productive in some parts, adding that the little that has been achieved should be protected.

According to him, this would not only allow for peaceful co-existence but also ensure the state doesn’t run into a food crisis.

Ishaya said, “The expanded state Security Council met and deliberated on a number of issues, especially on the issues of farmers and herders and other sundry issues were considered and made the following resolutions; after a thorough deliberation the council directed that there shall be no farming and grazing activities as from 6 pm to 6 am. Likewise, grazing by under aged children is also prohibited.

“The Council also directed that farmers must work hard to get their harvest done as quick as possible and they are not allowed to folder the remnant on their farms this is to ensure that after they are done with their harvest herders can come and benefit from it. The Council also directed that migrating herders and their cattle are not allowed into Gombe State until after harvest which will last till the end of January 2022 this will ensure the state does not run into a food crisis,” he said.

(The PUNCH)