Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has warned herdsmen to desist from practicing open grazing in the state or risk jail terms.
Newsonline reports that Governor Obaseki said the law is intended to eliminate conflict between nomadic herders and local farmers.
Governor Obaseki warned that community vigilantes shall be empowered by the state government to help enforce the law.
Obaseki stated this at the Edo Central Security Council Meeting, held in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, of Edo State.
Edo State has been faced with constant kidnapping and killings by alleged Fulani herdsmen.
Speaking at the event, Obaseki said, “I reaffirm that we now have a law which prohibits open grazing in Edo State. I signed the bill into law on the 27th of May, 2022.
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“The law is meant to eliminate the conflict between nomadic cattle herders and local farmers.
“There would be a cattle and livestock committee with powers to set the rules for anybody who wants to be involved in livestock business in the state.
“At the meeting, I also urged the traditional rulers in Esan land to identify all the black spots in their communities and report the same to the appropriate authorities for follow-up, pledging to sustain support to the local vigilante to facilitate the fight against crime.”
