EBONYI STATE GOVT MOVES TO CURB FARMER/HERDSMEN CLASH

Ebonyi State Government is to come up with a legislation to check overstocking of cattle by herdsmen and to prohibit under aged persons from cattle rearing in the state.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Kelechi Igwe stated this at a meeting between a Committee on Herdsmen, Community Leaders and representatives of Fulani cattle herdsmen in Abakaliki.

The meeting, which was also attended by security agencies, was necessitated by two incidents involving Fulani cattle herdsmen and some farmers in Mgbom Community Afikpo North Local Government and Okposi Community in Ohaozara Local Government Area.

A police report presented at the meeting showed that the incidents followed allegations of destruction of farmlands by cattle herdsmen and the killing of some cows by the farmers.

The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Kelchi Igwe who described the misunderstanding as avoidable directed Local government Chairmen in the state to collaborate with Technical Assistants to the Governor to monitor the movement of cattle prior to the legislation.

First Deputy Chairman Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Romanus Iyioku suggested the need for the state government to direct autonomous communities in the state to create grazing fields for the cattle herders.

South-East Northern Community Coordinator, Saraki Abubakar Sambo, commended the State government for its efforts and promised to liaise with relevant stakeholders to proffer solutions to some of the issues raised.

The Chairman of the Committee on Herdsmen who is also the Attorney General of the State, Chief Augustine Nwankwoegu explained that the meeting was to strengthen commitment among stakeholders, considering that tension between farmers and herdsmen occurs mainly during farming season.

AMECHI ODO