Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has inaugurated a committee to assess cattle routes, grazing, game and forest reserves in the state to forestall the farmers and herders clashes that often results in the loss of lives and food crops in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee on cattle routes, grazing, game and forest reserves in the state, on Thursday, the Governor said the setting up of the committee has demonstrated his commitment towards environmental restoration in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.
He explained that for many years, cattle routes, grazing, game and forest reserves have long been part of the cherished natural endowment and they contributed to the biodiversity and rich agricultural heritage, adding that the encroachment upon these lands posed serious threats to their existence, threatening ecological balance and the livelihoods of both farmers and herders.
Yahaya said, “Today, most of our cattle routes have been encroached upon, distorting centuries-old nomadic migration paths, and setting herders in conflict with farming communities. Similar thing is happening to our grazing, game and forest reserves, where most of them are either been encroached or not properly gazetted. This state of affairs is unsustainable
” Our administration has recognized the importance of environmental sustainability in fostering peace and security in our communities. That informed our decision to couple the issue of insecurity with that of environmental degradation and climate change. Because, at the heart of most resource-based conflicts is the issue of climate change.
“In northern Nigeria today, deforestation and encroaching desertification are driving nomadic communities inwards, thus bringing them into conflict with farming communities, and jeopardizing centuries of inter-communal harmony and stability. To address those security challenges, we must first address their root causes which is environmental degradation that is fuelled by climate change and lack of compliance with extant rules and regulations across all divides.”
According to him, they faced the peril of climate change and its attendant consequences and they have no other option than to act now.
“It is our collective duty to act decisively and ensure the restoration and protection of our grazing, forest and game reserves. Therefore, this committee is necessary in order to reverse the ugly trend, restore our ecological balance, and promote environmental and livelihoods sustainability,” Yahaya said.
