Edo State has concluded plans to regulate the movement of livestock within the State, inspect, certify, and register all ranches as well as control the activities of cattle herdsmen in various communities across the State.
The State Livestock Control Committee set up and tasked with this plan will also provide security reports to the Governor on the activities of cattle and livestock farmers within designated ranching areas, as well as determine and recommend permit fees and renewal fees for cattle and livestock herdsmen/owners.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Fred Itua, Governor Monday Okpebholo, said the committee has a mandate to bring an end to the pervasive clashes between herders and farmers.
The statement added that “There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have especially the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clashes here and there.
“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience in the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose.”
General Cecil Esekhaigbe, rtd, will chair the 27-man committee with other members, including Dr. Ernest Afolabi Uwakhikhe, AVM Charles Oghomwen, Mr. Alex Oijiagba, Comrade Saturday Okhuakhua, Samuel Arabomem, Sylvanus Bawa, Mrs. Aikefe Agbavboa, Dr. Osagie Aibuedefe, SP Eneremen Sunday, Uche Nnatube, Sir Ignatius Enabulele, Ebaloghemen Godwin, Igbnigie O. Osaheni, Hon Moses Edo, Hon Haruna Muhammed, Dr Tony Ikpasaja, a representative of the Oba’s Palace, Onojie of Uzea, HRH Moses Akpamuka ETSU, Abdullahi Binne Danna, Adum Harun, Erhauyi Alfred Iyekekpolor, Mr. Akhimien Obomehelu and Omoh Yusuf with Mrs. Diana Emaga Idahosa as the secretary.
In his acceptance speech, General Esekhaigbe, rtd, acknowledged the significant responsibility placed upon the committee and said: “We want to express our appreciation to you, sir, for considering us fit to take this arduous task.
“The terms of reference are very clear, and it is a reflection of one of your high points when you were coming into power as governor. I know security is one of the pillars of your five points agenda, and we all know one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.”
General Esekhaigbe pledged the committee’s dedication: “We will do our best to make sure that our assignment that has been given to us is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers areas crisis will not be a thing to mention in our dear state.”
