Former Assembly Member raises alarm over destructive night grazing in Baayiri

Rising tensions between farmers and herdsmen in the Baayiri community have sparked alarm, as an unchecked night-time cattle grazing continues to threaten farmlands and local livelihoods.

Mr. Kala Danaa, a former Assembly Member for the area, has voiced serious concern over what he calls a “worrying new trend” of herdsmen allowing their cattle to graze under the cover of darkness.

In an Interview with Info Radio, Mr. Danaa warned that the destruction of crops is intensifying friction between farmers and herders — a situation he believes could escalate if left unaddressed.

“The destruction of crops is leading to serious tension between herdsmen and farmers. This issue could have been avoided if we had clear by-laws and proper enforcement in place,” he said.

He did not shy away from criticizing authorities, including community elders and chiefs, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities and showing favoritism towards herdsmen.

According to him, the lack of a structured system for regulating cattle grazing and settlement is at the heart of the growing crisis.

“There’s no structured system guiding where and how herdsmen settle. They are being allowed into our communities without accountability, and the farmers are paying the price,” Mr. Danaa lamented.

He is calling for urgent measures to be taken, including the development and enforcement of local by-laws to regulate grazing practices and protect farmland from further destruction.

“If we continue to ignore this issue, it could spiral into a larger conflict,” he warned.