An embargo has been place on cattle rearing and grazing in Ekiti State by the state governor, Ayodele Fayose, Aproko247 has learnt.
The governor made this move following an attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the state last week.
Fayose noted that anyone interested in rearing and grazing of cattle in the state should get their own private cattle ranch.
This is the first time a governor of a state in Nigeria is taking such decision.
The governor pointed out that a bill to make the movement of cattle from one location to another criminal in the state would soon be sent to the State House of Assembly for passage and subsequently making it a law.
Fayose disclosed this when he visited Oke-Ako in Ikole local government area of Ekiti State, which was where the attack took place last Friday.
Several people were injured, while two persons were killed by the suspected Fulani herdsmen.
“We will not leave our lands for Fulani herdsmen and in a system where the leadership of the country looks the other way while our people are being killed, we will have no option than to defend ourselves by whatever means,” Fayose fumed.
Speaking further, he said, “I have come here to commiserate with the people of Oke-Ako over the murder of two of our people by these evil Fulani herdsmen.
“I am also here to assure that this will be the last time your community will be invaded by Fulani herdsmen under whatever guise.
“I have directed that cattle rearing and grazing should stop in Ekiti State and those interested in cattle farming should henceforth do so in their own cattle ranch.
“No more movement of cattle from one location to another in the State and any cattle seen anywhere in Ekiti State apart from the ranch created for them by their owners will be confiscated by the government and their owners will be prosecuted.
“A bill to this effect will be sent to House of Assembly for passage into law to criminalise cattle owners whose cattle are found moving from one location the other in the State.
“If President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the patron of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has refused to call the herdsmen to order, we in Ekiti will no longer harbour herdsmen who go about killing our people, destroying our farmlands and raping our women.
“If the same President Buhari that was so concerned about the killing of Fulani herdsmen in in Saki, Oke Ogun Area of Oyo State such that he, as a private citizen led Arewa to Ibadan on October 13, 2000, to confront the then Governor of Oyo State, late Alhaji Lam Adesina is now keeping silent when the same herdsmen are killing our people, we must rise and defend ourselves.”
“It is our duty to protect our people and we are going to do that without fear or favour.”
Fayose’s quotes from Premium Times
