No free land for grazing in Edo, Obaseki insists

The Edo government has insisted that the state will not give out land for free to herders for grazing.

There has been concern over clashes between farmers and herders across the country, especially with regards to open grazing.

In 2019, Obaseki rejected the federal government’s Ruga initiative and said the Edo government would not offer free land to herders for grazing.

In a statement issued via his Twitter handle on Thursday, Obaseki said recent reports to the contrary were false, adding that the government’s stand on the matter has not changed.

“Our attention has been drawn to misleading and false media reports claiming that @GovernorObaseki has agreed to provide grazing land for herders in the state,” the post reads.

“Our position on the matter of grazing land is clear and has not shifted, which is that there is no free land for grazing in Edo. Grazing is an economic activity just like poultry and piggery or any other agric enterprise. Govt will not cede any land in the state for grazing. I have continually warned against the politicizing of security issues.”

Obaseki accused “some political actors” of trying to instigate the killings witnessed in some states.

“Thankfully, their plans have failed because of the pre-emptive actions taken by Governor Obaseki and the security agencies,” he said.

“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the current futile efforts by these defeated politicians in the state to cause mayhem and chaos among our people.

“All peace-loving people of Edo State are enjoined to dedicate this Lenten period to pray for peace at this difficult time in the life of our dear country.”

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Our attention has been drawn to misleading and false media reports claiming that @GovernorObaseki has agreed to provide grazing land for herders in the state.

— Godwin Obaseki (GGO) (@GovernorObaseki) February 18, 2021

Meanwhile, state governors have agreed to implement the national livestock plan, which will adopt modern approaches to grazing and livestock management.