South-west govs ban open grazing

Governors of the south-west states have banned open grazing of cattle in the region.

The decision was taken at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Ondo state capital, on Monday.

Governors, the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and security operatives attended the meeting.

Some of the governors in attendance were Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Mohammed Abubakar (Jigawa), and Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi).

In a statement after the meeting, Makinde said the governor agreed to continue to lend their support to the security agencies.

“Today, the SW governors held a security stakeholders’ meeting in Ondo State. The meeting was attended by our brother governors from Kebbi and Jigawa States; security chiefs, SW zone led by the AIG Zone 11 and leaders from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria,” Makinde said.

“Collectively, we resolved to ban open grazing in all parts of the south west. In Oyo State, we already have a law against open grazing which will continue to be implemented by our security agencies.

“I restated that we will not permit criminality as a response to criminal actions. Instead, we will continue to support our security agencies to do their duties. Also, we will work with our people to face our common enemies – the criminals; kidnappers, armed robbers and bandits.”

The development comes amid tension in some parts of the south-west region.

Owing to incessant killings and kidnapping, Akeredolu had issued a seven-day ultimatum to herders operating illegally in forest reserves in the state to leave.

In Oyo, Sunday Igboho, a youth leader, issued eviction notice to herdsmen.

Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police, had ordered the arrest of Igboho for issuing the quit notice to the herdsmen.