The federal government said it will commence the establishment of cattle colonies next week in states that have agreed to the policy.

Agriculture minister, Audu Ogbeh said the intention is not for any group to colonise any territory as widely feared.

He says it is to provide a “haven for cattle to graze in peace under controlled environments” to prevent conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.

Ogbeh was speaking when he visited the Agriculture and Veterinary Complex of the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria.

The establishment of the colonies was the major recommendation of a committee set up to find solutions to clashes between herders and local farmers, but some states have rejected the idea.

It would be recalled that the policy, since its announcement, has continued to be greeted by criticisms from different parts of the country with many state governors rejecting it outrightly.