To foster peace and tranquility through the actualization of his GAINS Agenda, the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emma Chinye has initiated measures to provide long lasting solution towards the ever increasing herders and farmers clashes in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Hon. Chinye, during a closed-door meeting with stakeholders in the security sector, announced that every Fulani herdsman should be registered with a passport photograph and sign a memorandum of understanding. This agreement would allow them to graze their cattle while also holding them accountable for compensating any farmer whose crops are damaged as a result of their grazing activities.
Hon. Chinye further directed that any herdsman who failed to comply with the agreement will be expelled from the local government area. He urged host communities to refrain from taking the laws into their own hands and to report any suspected Fulani herdsman to the nearest police or vigilante office.
The local government boss emphasized that his administration would not tolerate any security threats or disruptions from individuals posing as herdsmen with malicious intent. He also directed Fulani leaders in the area to monitor the activities of their herders and other employees.
Earlier reports indicated that many locals and residents have resisted Fulani herdsmen whose cattle have damaged their crops, sometimes leading to confrontations where the residents kill the animals in self-defense, potentially provoking retaliatory attacks from the herders.
During a briefing, the council’s security chiefs suggested that all areas where Fulani herdsmen have been sighted should be monitored. Additionally, those residing in the bush between Issele-Uku and Idumu-Ogo were advised to relocate, while herdsmen whose host communities requested their departure were instructed to respect those requests.
