Nigerians react as US embassy uploads Facebook post on how cows should be treated

A Facebook post by the US Mission in Nigeria has got Nigerians urging the Muhammadu Buhari government to ban open grazing.

In the Monday post, the US embassy shared information about its initiative backing ranching in Ekiti State.

“US Dairy Milk Cows in Ekiti State,” the post was titled.

“Ikun dairy farm plans to reach 10,000 liters of milk daily with cows from the USA. A great collaboration with Consulate Lagos that helps Nigeria grow and diversify its economy,” the post reads.

The US embassy’s Facebook post comes at a time some Nigerians continue to insist that Fulani herdsmen must be allowed to continue practicing open grazing which has been banned in several states.

Although Buhari has a cattle ranch in his home state of Katsina, he has failed to respond to calls to ban open grazing, a practice which continually leads to the vandalisation of farms and deadly clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

Nigerians took to the US embassy post to campaign for a cattle ranching.

“I hope our leaders are seeing this. This is the way to go,” Ogubuike Chidum wrote in the comments section.

“The federal government under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture can establish ranches all over the country. It’s not rocket science, just simple planning and execution. Jobs will be created, lives will be safer. The cows and the herders will even be happier.

“God bless the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Another commener, Valentine Obidile wrote:

“Hausa- Fulnani Herdsmen should come and learn! The old method of opening grazing is obsolete and causing a lot of crisis! More people do not need to die! They should emulate this!”

Alhaji Fikyu, however, had his reservations.

“For the sentimental and religion fanatic haters, note this, some cows are not reared for milk production and such can not be ranched,” he commented.

He seemed to be a lone voice on the thread as another commenter, Isah Sabiu lauded the effort.

“Great work,” he wrote, “please, those people from other part of the country need this your method”.

“They (the US embassy) just diplomatically passed a message to the Nigerian government,” Ugomma Mmaduabuchi noted.

“If only they will learn,” Chukwuma Nwagu wrote.

Meanwhile, information minister Lai Mohammed says the government would provide ranch colonies for Fulani herdsmen nationwide.