MACBAN raises alarm over mysterious missing 25 cows, as Governor Kefas lauds Barewa’s Leadership

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By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo

The mysterious disappearance of 25 cows in Karim-Lamido Local Government Council of Taraba State has raised concern among members of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

This is as Governor Agbu Kefas has lauded leadership quality of the Association’s State Chairman, Alhaji Ya’u Ibrahim Barewa for selfless services.

Rising from the stakeholders meeting held in Jalingo, the MACBAN described the latest as worrisome, the way and manner over 25 cows mysteriously disappeared in the area despite efforts to trace them.

According to the MACBAN, cases of missing cows have continued to be in the increase but the latest appeared shocking considering the large numbers in the period under review and appealed to government and security agents to come to their rescue.

In his opening address at the meeting, the chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Ya’u Ibrahim Barewa first and foremost commended the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas on his effort in vaccinating the animals.

He pointed out that the initiative will not only ensure the health of the livestock alone but also safeguards the livelihoods and enables them to contribute positively to the state’s economy.

According to him, the purpose of the meeting with all MACBAN chairmen in the 16 local government areas of the state was to acknowledge the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Alhaji Barewa noted that apart from working collaboratively, it’s also very crucial now that the rainy season is around the corner, a period farmers and herders always engage into conflicts.

He emphasized on the need for the two brothers (farmers/herders) to foster peace and mutual respect in the communities and build a harmonious society that benefits everyone.

“we are at a crucial period especially as the rainy season is fast approaching. Let us remind ourselves that our priority should be maintaining peace and avoiding conflicts with our counterparts. I urge all herders to refrain from engaging in any disagreements that may threaten the tranquility of our communities”, he stated.

The chairman therefore encouraged stakeholders to continue to work hand-in- glove to ensure peace while appreciating governor Agbu Kefas’ administration for inclusivity as well as political appointments extended to Fulani herders and approving the creation of livestock development agency in the state among several others.

In his remarks, the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has lauded MACBAN in the state particularly the chairman, Alhaji Barew for peaceful disposition with his group in the state.

The governor represented by senior special assistant (SSA) on community engagement, Hon. David Enoch Usman (Gashaka) emphasized on the need for peaceful coexistence among herders and farmers in the state.

The governor revealed that the initial policy on free education which did not capture nomadic Fulanis at the time of introduction has now included Fulani herders in the policy and expressed the hope that the will use the opportunity to enroll in the free education anywhere in the state.

He urged MACBAN to continue to remain focused as challenges associated within, will soon be a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, other government representatives (officials) who spoke at the meeting included Special Adviser to the governor on conflict resolution, Hon. Danasali Biru, Special Adviser on farmers/herders, Alhaji Bello Mbela (Sardaunan Bali) as well as Special Adviser to the governor on Agriculture, Hon. Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa respectively.

They observed that MACBAN has remained one association that governor Agbu Kefas is proud of in the state, noting that the meeting was timely as conflicts associated between farmers/herders often trace during the rainy season and lauded them for putting this program together at this point in time.