Nigeria, May 23, 2016 – The Afenifere Renewal Group has called on the Southwest governors to ban open grazing in their respective states as has been done by the government of Lagos State and that of Ekiti state.
“ARG, observes that as there is great difficulty now in differentiating between the lawful herdsmen in pursuit of a livelihood and the marauding criminal herdsmen who purposely go out to kill, maim and disrupt the livelihood and well being of communities, it is necessary that Nigerians are protected with a swift decision by our governors to banish open grazing of animals”, ARG said in a statement signed by its chairman, Hon. Olawale Oshun.
“On behalf of all Yoruba people, we condemn, strongly, the violent activities carried out by the criminal herdsmen and state unequivocally that the Nigerian state and its security agencies owe the obligation to intervene strongly and stop these sustained attacks and breach of security.
“We contend that the incessant tragedy occasioned by the skirmishes be it in Ondo, Ekiti, Katsina, Enugu or Benue is beyond grazing per se and that it reveals a vile intent to usurp other peoples land, with a long term expansionist objective. This certainly is not and cannot be accepted by anyone who has blood flowing in his veins. Yoruba people will not accept this.
“We are therefore asking the various arms of security agencies to act firmly because these crimes undermine the integrity of governance and of nationhood. We call on Southwest governors to collaborate with one another in taking a firm decision on this absurd development.
“Importantly, we remind our traditional rulers that they have always had the responsibility and firm obligation of protecting their communities and subjects. They cannot afford to abandon these sacred responsibilities now”, he said.
The ARG appealed to all concerned agencies and authorities that open grazing must be stopped immediately, “for it is sensible that we may be having a new wave of terrorism creeping into our land space in the same way Boko Haram surreptitiously became a cancer which has defied a complete cure and Nigeria may continue to grapple with its consequences for many years to come”, the ARG said.
