Governor Monday Okpebholo has been commended for setting up a new Livestock Control Committee in Edo State. Barr Itse Elijah Wilkie, a legal practitioner described the initiative as bold, timely, and a decisive step toward resolving the recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the state.
Wilkie, who is also a preacher and former legislative aide to the immediate past Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, said the committee reflects a deep understanding of the root causes of the conflict and the need for structured intervention.
“The initiative aligns with best practices and provides a sustainable framework for regulating livestock movement and promoting peaceful coexistence in rural communities”, he said.
Praising the choice of retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe as chairman of the committee, Wilkie described it as a strategic decision that lends credibility and authority to the team’s operations.
“Governor Okpebholo’s decision to empower experienced hands in this sensitive assignment shows leadership and commitment to ending the cycle of violence between herders and farmers,” Wilkie said.
He also highlighted the committee’s mandate, which includes inspecting and registering ranches, monitoring livestock movement, and recommending permit systems.
The lawyer described these functions as crucial tools for accountability and transparency. “This is not just another political gesture; it is a practical solution that, if followed through, will restore peace to our farmlands,” he stated.
The legal luminary further applauded the inclusive composition of the committee, which draws from security agencies, traditional institutions, agricultural experts, and local government representatives.
He said this broad-based structure would ensure that the voices of affected communities are heard and that solutions are grounded in reality. “Engagement and inclusiveness are key to resolving these crises. The governor has made the right call,” he added.
In conclusion, Barr Wilkie urged the state government to back the committee’s work with adequate funding, logistics, and legal backing to ensure its success.
He expressed hope that the initiative would serve as a model for other states grappling with similar security challenges. “If properly implemented, this committee could mark the turning point in the fight against herder-farmer violence in Edo State,” Wilkie said.
