The Ekiti State Government has commenced the rigorous enforcement of the Prohibition of Cattle and Other Ruminants Grazing Law, 2016. This announcement was made by Rtd. Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana, chairman of the Farmers/Herders Peace Committee in Ekiti State, during a public address on Wednesday.
Ogundana stressed the government’s unwavering commitment to penalize any individuals found violating the law. The primary objective behind this initiative is to mitigate threats to security and prevent extensive damage to agricultural lands within the state.
He underscored the critical importance of resolving issues between farmers and herders, warning of potential food crises if left unaddressed.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to achieving and sustaining food security. Boluwade urged herders to responsibly manage their livestock and foster peaceful coexistence with crop farmers.
He issued a stern warning against the destruction of crops, farmlands, and other valuable properties, emphasising that such actions would not be tolerated under the anti-open grazing law.
It’s worth noting that the law prohibits nighttime cattle grazing, the possession of firearms or offensive weapons by herdsmen, and the destruction of properties and farmlands by cattle.
This enforcement initiative underscores the government’s proactive approach to safeguarding agricultural resources and fostering harmony between farming communities and herders within the state.
