Expert urges northern govs to set up model ranches

A Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer, Peter Terwasr Tortiv-Ato, has advised northern state governments that have passed the anti-open grazing law to first establish pilot ranches that herders can use as models.

Speaking in an interview with Arewa PUNCH on Tuesday, Tortiv-Ato said there was no alternative to banning open grazing, especially in states like Benue that continue to struggle with insecurity and underdevelopment.

He, however, stressed that the law would only succeed if implemented consistently and backed with practical support for herders.

“Unfortunately, the current administration in Benue seems less committed to enforcing the law, which has set us back,” he noted. “Beyond banning open grazing, we must teach and support ranching.”

According to him, many people do not fully understand ranching, making it necessary for governments to provide pilot ranches in every senatorial district, complete with veterinary services and training centres.

“These ranches will serve as models for livestock management and encourage wider adoption across the state,” he added.