We are developing policy on ranching to solve farmer-herder clashes__ Edo govt

The Edo State government said a policy on ranching is underway to proffer solutions to the incessant clashes between farmers and herders in the state.

Peter Aikhuomobhogbe, Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, made the disclosure when he played host to members of the New Nigerian Initiative (NNI), a group in Benin City.

Aikhuomobhogbe, who assured that the state government is making efforts to ensure food security in the state, noted that it will not hesitate to do anything that will help nip the problem between farmers and herders in the bud.

According to him, we want to eat meat, but let us do it on a ranch; let’s encourage ranching in our state. The state government is developing a policy on ranching.

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“It is not contestable that our dear Edo State, and the entire country, are being gripped by endemic brutalities, untold cruelties and awful cycles of events masterminded by a gang of outlaws called herdsmen.

“NNI had in the wake of these attacks on June 28, 2000, dropped a private bill on the prohibition of cattle grazing in the state in Edo State house of assembly. But, regrettably, nothing came out of it and the result has been the reign of reckless bloodshed perpetrated by criminals who called themselves herdsmen.

“We solicit the support of Governor Godwin Obaseki to lobby it so that the bill can be passed in record time,” Odigie said.