Taraba State Governor, Mr. Darius Ishaku, has said the state anti-open grazing law is not targeted at any religious group or tribe.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Bello,  the governor explained that the law was colour blind.

The statement explained that implementation of the Taraba State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law, enacted in June 2017, is expected to commence on January 24, 2018, at the expiration of the six months grace period.

Ishaku in the statement noted that cattle ownership in Taraba State was not the exclusive preserve of any religion, tribe or group, adding that the law was to, among other things, change the mode of production of cattle for better yield.

“This is a step towards keeping with the best tradition of cow production all over the world. Agriculture is undergoing a revolution. Antiquated means of production is giving way to better methods with the use of tractors and better seedlings, among other things.

“This can happen to cattle rearing too. The ancient method of nomadic voyages has failed to give better milk production or even beef. Cows are leaner and less productive when made to go through the rigours of long distant treks. Elsewhere, ranching has become the best form of attending to the need of cattle in the world.

“Even here in Nigeria, top cow owners have seen the wisdom in ranching. In Taraba, cow owners on the Mambilla have been engaging in a form of ranching, dating into the past. It is nothing new to us and I enjoined all to key into it,” the statement read in part.

Meanwhile, death toll in last weekend attack on several communities in the Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State has risen to 60.

Residents on Wednesday had put the figure at 56, but four more bodies were said have been later recovered by some youths and hunters from Katibu and Didango villages.
Dauda Marafa, a community leader and a civil servant with the Taraba State Government told one of our correspondents on the telephone that the four bodies were recovered when the youth went back to the villages to check for more of the missing persons.

“The bodies were recovered on Wednesday evening, but could not be buried until today (Thursday) because the youths were attacked by some gunmen.

“We mobilised a team of soldiers who accompanied the youths and some family members of the deceased for burial at Katibu. The situation in the area is still fearful,” he said.

The state police spokesman, Mr David Missal, said he had yet to get any update on the crisis in Lau LGA.

“I am not aware of any attack and recovery of more bodies in the area because have not received any briefing from the Divisional Police Officer from the area,” he said.

Punch