The Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has cautioned Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, aagaisnt the eviction of herders in the state's forest reserves.
READ ALSO:
Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
Akeredolu had on Monday, January 18, 2021 ordered herders out of the state's forest reserves in seven days over secuirty concerns.
READ ALSO:
How Nigerian Govt Allegedly Hired Foreigners To Stage Anti-Self Determination Protest In US - Akintoye Reveals
The governor said the decision was one of numerous major steps to address the root cause of kidnapping and other crimes in Ondo.
READ ALSO:
How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
He said numerous accounts from kidnap victims have indicated that most kidnappers masquerade as herdsmen and use the forest reserves as hideouts for their operations.
READ ALSO:
KEBBI 2023: How I Got Luxury Cars Shared To Supporters -Malami Explains Amid Backlash
President Buhari's spokesperson, Garba Shehu, condemned the governor's directive in a statement released on Tuesday, January 19.
READ ALSO:
El-Rufai: Govt does not exist to pay only salaries, defends workers sack
The presidential spokesperson said Akeredolu is knowledgeable enough to realise he cannot unilaterally remove thousands of herders who have lived all their lives in the state on account of the infiltration of the forests by criminals.
READ ALSO:
"Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex Otti" - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
Even though he stressed the government's stand against crime committed by anyone, Shehu said the constitution guards against actions such as the one employed by the Ondo governor.
READ ALSO:
Hon. Amobi Ogah Celebrates Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi on His Birthday, Hails His Impact at FMC Umuahia
He remarked that it is important to dissociate crime from any problematic colourations with entire groups based on ethnicity, geographical origins, and religion.
READ ALSO:
Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
"There is little to be said other than to call for restraint on both sides and urge the state government and the leadership of the Fulani communities to continue their dialogue for a good understanding that will bring to an urgent end, the nightmarish security challenges facing the state," the presidency said.
READ ALSO:
Why ICPC Is Prosecuting Mike Ozekhome Over a London Property Deal That Has Shaken Nigeria's Legal Circle | READ DETAILS
In addition to the eviction notice, Akeredolu had also banned night grazing, effective immediately, noting that it usually leads to destruction of farmlands.
READ ALSO:
PENCOM Assures Pensioners Of Payment, A Week After Retirement
He also outlawed underage grazing, and prohibited the movement of cattle within cities and highways.
READ ALSO:
Zabarmari massacre: We killed 78, not 43 - Shekau Fires
Monday's restrictions on grazing in Ondo has reopened long-standing debates about open grazing in the country.
READ ALSO:
Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
A few other states have placed a similar ban on open grazing as a measure to reduce conflicts between nomadic herdsmen, usually Fulani, and local farmers whose crops are usually destroyed by cattle.
READ ALSO:
Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
The conflicts have led to hundreds of lives lost and property destroyed, especially in the nation's Middle Belt, with herdsmen usually blamed as the aggressors.
READ ALSO:
How Nigerian Govt Allegedly Hired Foreigners To Stage Anti-Self Determination Protest In US - Akintoye Reveals
The Federal Government's attempted interventions into the contentious issue have failed to provide a lasting solution, but cases of bloodshed have reduced over the past year.
