Governors of South West geopolitical zones have banned open grazing by Fulani herders as measures to stem the tide of crimes pervading the zone.
Speaking after the meeting of governors of South West zones which has some governors from the North and the representative of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Associationv from the South West in attendance, Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde revealed that “ban on open grazing by Fulani herders” was a collective decision of the governors.
He said, governors of the zone and their people are interested in peaceful coexistence, which they would take upon themselves to ensure that nothing was done to jeopardise peace and stability of the zone.
The meeting was held in Akure, Ondo State capital on Monday.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Makinde said: “Today, the SW governors held a security stakeholders’ meeting in Ondo State.
“The meeting was attended by our brother governors from Kebbi and Jigawa States; security chiefs, SW zone led by the AIG Zone 11 and leaders from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.
“Collectively, we resolved to ban open grazing in all parts of the south west. In Oyo State, we already have a law against open grazing which will continue to be implemented by our security agencies.
“I restated that we will not permit criminality as a response to criminal actions. Instead we will continue to support our security agencies to do their duties.
“Also, we will work with our people to face our common enemies – the criminals; kidnappers, armed robbers and bandits.”
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CAPITAL POST earlier reports that tension has reached a boiling point over a seven day ultimatum issued Fulani cattle Breeders by the governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to quit the State forests as a result of endless attacks by the suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Also a Yoruba youth activist Sunday Adeyemo, alias Igboho issued a seven day quit notice to Fulani herdsmen to vacate Ibarapa and Igangan areas of Oyo State.
The notices elicited wild reactions with crisis in the affected areas which has kept government busy with Security agents working round the clock to proffer solutions.
