In an interview with Vanguard on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Prof. Daniel Saror, former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University and ex-Senator representing Benue North East, has raised concerns about the current method of livestock rearing in Nigeria, stating that the system has gradually turned into a political and security issue instead of remaining an agricultural activity.
Saror explained that livestock husbandry in the country has changed significantly over the years, according to him, what used to be a traditional occupation has now become heavily politicised and, in some cases, linked to violence.
The professor, who is also a trained veterinarian, said the issue of open grazing and cattle movement across communities has become a major source of conflict, he noted that the debate around herding practices has moved beyond agriculture and now involves politics and security concerns.
Saror questioned the presence of sophisticated weapons among some herders, he said many Nigerians have raised concerns about reports of herdsmen carrying rifles such as AK-47s, according to him, the situation has created fear in many rural communities where farmers and herders interact.
He expressed concern that ordinary citizens are not allowed to carry weapons, while some armed herders appear to operate freely and argued that this situation has increased tension and mistrust among communities affected by farmer-herder clashes.
The former university leader also spoke about efforts to introduce modern livestock management methods in Nigeria, he said ranching is widely recognised around the world as a more effective and organised system for raising cattle.
According to Saror, ranching helps to prevent conflicts between farmers and herders because cattle are kept in designated areas rather than moving across farmlands, he said many countries have adopted this system successfully.
”The method of livestock husbandry in Nigeria has become politicized, militarized, and weaponized. Why would you allow herdsmen to carry sophisticated arms like AK-47, and not allow any other Nigerian to carry arms? What is the idea?” he said.
Leave a Reply