Open grazing remains banned in Anambra – Obiano

… Tasks police on efficient data

ANAMBRA State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has said that the ban on open grazing in Anambra State is still in force.

  The governor stated this yesterday at an expanded Cattle Menace Committee meeting held in Aguleri, Anambra East Council Area.

  Explaining the ban as part of measures to prevent farmer-herder conflict, Gov. Obiano also directed Commissioner of Police, Monday Kuryas, to expedite action on producing efficient data of all herdsmen operating within the state.

  Gov. Obiano also promised that itinerant herdsmen who are well known in the state will be accommodated and called on them to assist security agents in fishing out those fomenting trouble and perpetrating crime under any guise.

  According to the governor, the measure will help strengthen the state’s security architecture.

 While warning that drastic steps will be taken after the meeting to enforce the directive, the governor noted that the ban on night grazing by Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association will help to check certain excesses.

  Therefore, he directed the committee to fix compensations in line with current market value of cows and crop items.

  Issues of kidnapping and under-manning of cows, among others, were also discussed, with solutions proffered for immediate action.

  Present at the meeting are security commanders in the state, Speaker of Anambra House of Assembly, Uchenna Okafor, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Co-coordinator of Anambra Vigilante Service, Ben Chiobi and traditional rulers, among others.