*"Our Elites Asked Us to Reject Ranching" -Herder*

A working Weekend with a peaceful Fulani herder, Shehu Adamu in the midst of a residential area at New Nyanya, Karu LGA of Nasarawa state. His cattle were looking very hungry & dirty. He too look about 20 years older from his original date of birth as I later discovered.
The journalism in me pushed me further to interact with him to know why his animals weren't looking healthier at this time (September) of the year when there are lot grasses and water?
Shehu, 40th told me in a short interview: "there's no more grasses for the cattle. Everywhere is developed as roads, houses and crops planted."
I asked for his opinion on Ranching that could have improve on the life and health of his herds as well as the family?
Hear what Shehu told me: "That could have been a better deal. Who doesn't like better thing? That could have place us in rest, have our wards go to school, our women could have stay in one place like others modern ladies and enjoy like other Nigerians".
I insisted: but why are you refusing the Ranching as being suggested in some states?
Shehu: "We were asked by our elite not to accept it because the policy was introduced by an infidel. We were told that the Ranching was a plan to send our culture out of history."
Adding, "we are human like any other person, continue traveling from one place to another is exposing us to many calamities including witchcraft, dangerous reptiles, cold weather and clashes with farmers".
Shehu who spoke in Hausa, told me that he wants Ali, his son to be a journalist like me.
"Ina soh yaro dina ya zama danjerida kamar Kai".

©️Jonathan Ipaa.