Akeredolu Bans Under-aged, Night Grazing In Ondo

Oyewale Oyelola

As part of efforts to tame herdsmen/farmers clash and insecurity situation in Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has banned under-aged, night and Open grazing of cattle in the state.

Arakunrin Akeredolu gave this order on Monday during an interactive meeting with the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani and Ebira Communities in the state, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s office, Alagabaka, Akure.

The governor also directed herdsmen to vacate all Forest Reserves within the next 7 days with effect from Monday January 18, 2021.

He said the fresh directives on grazing became necessary due to activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen.

According to him, these felons have turned our forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.

”We have taken major steps at addressing the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo State.” Akeredolu explained.

Speaking further he said: ‘:As the Chief Law and Security Officer of the State, it is my constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State. In light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued:

1. All Forest Reserves in the State are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next 7 days with effect from today, Monday 18th January, 2021.

2. Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.

3. Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.

4. Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.”

Ondo State Governor however gives herdsmen a grace period of seven days for those who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business to register with appropriate authorities.

”Our resolution to guarantee safety of lives and property within the State shall remain utmost as security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban.” Akeredolu noted.

The meeting was attended by head of security agencies in Amotekun.