EBONYI TRADITIONAL RULERS PLEDGE TO FORESTALL FARMERS-HERDERS CLASH

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has directed traditional rulers to collate data on herdsmen operating in their communities for easy identification and maintenance of peace.

Chief Umahi who gave the order in Abakaliki at a meeting with traditional rulers and miners in the state, noted that the data should include herdsmen’s names, location and contact phone numbers of their leaders.

The Governor remarked that the decision was reached after series of meetings with security agencies, various committees and representatives of herdsmen in the state.

He urged the traditional rulers and other concerned authorities to agree on grazing locations with the herdsmen where they would be restricted for their grazing activities.

Governor Umahi warned that anybody that killed cows belonging to herdsmen would make double payments with the herdsmen collecting one part and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, collecting the other.

The Governor noted that existing mining laws in the state would be reviewed to make illegal miners to get jail term of five years for engaging in such activities.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Samuel Okoronkwo noted that the Ministry had intensified efforts to check activities of illegal miners, especially those from neighbouring states.

The Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in the state, Igwe Charles Mkpuma, pledged that traditional rulers would collaborate with the government to check illegal mining activities.

AMECHI ODO