Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, (rtd) says it is not possible to stop the free movement of cattle across borders and within countries.
He said this is because Nigeria is signatory to ECOWAS protocol and free movement.
He blamed the problem on the effect of climate change, which he said has forced some farmers to abandon their traditional farming areas to traditional routes for the cattle.
The minister said the problem is also being aggravated by some politicians for selfish interests.
Dambazau, who spoke in Abuja on his stewardship at a ministerial press briefing, said change in climate and growth in population were majorly responsible for movement of cattle.
It would be recalled the herders/farmers clashes had, in the last two years, led to destruction of lives and property majorly in Benue, Plateau, Taraba and other states in the North-central part of the country.
NATION/TONY