In a strategic response to escalating herder–farmer clashes, 11 states including Lagos, Plateau, Ondo, Zamfara, Bauchi, Delta, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Anambra have committed land and policies to support the Federal Government’s ranching initiative
This announcement comes after more than 200 deaths in Benue and Plateau in recent weeks, most notably the mass killing in Yelewata, Benue State, last week
The ranching model aims to transition nomadic herds into controlled, private or public ranch environments reducing open grazing and curbing violent clashes over land; entrepreneurs among state leaders see long-term economic and ecological benefits .
President Bola Tinubu has attributed the crisis largely to land grabs and promised that perpetrators will be strictly pursued.
He also flagged the appointment of a committee of elders including former governors and traditional chiefs—to lead reconciliation efforts in affected communities
While some experts commend the ranching strategy as promising, they warn implementation must be fair, culturally sensitive, and adequately funded.
Effective security and community engagement will be essential to ensure livestock welfare and local acceptance.
