From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Chairman of Omala LGA of Kogi State, Hon. Edibo Ameh Mark, has asked Fulani herders in Omala communities to relocate to government reserves.
This, according to the Chairman, was part of the plans to resolve the lingering herders and farmers clashes in and around the communities over the years.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the executive chairman, Gift Haruna Idoga said the decision to relocate the herdsmen and their cattles took place during a meeting with officers of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS Omala Zone) and hunters.
The statement said, “As part of the plans to resolve the lingering herders and farmers clashes in and around our communities, the Executive Chairman of Omala LGA, Hon. Edibo Ameh Mark has asked fulani settlers in Omala communities to relocate to the government reserves.
“Hon. Edibo made this disclosure in a meeting with officers of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS Omala Zone) and hunters. He said his government has decided to relocate all herders and their cattles to the Government reserves for their grazing and other activities; stating that effective immediately, no herders or cattles are to be seen in any community or farm lands.
“The Chairman who noted that his people are predominantly farmers and the crises and clashes have hindered them from going about their farming activities for a long time, said there is no going back on this decision. The crises,he said led to untold hardship his people have been facing and are subjected to for years.
“Hon Edibo informed the Vigilantes and the Hunters that the government’s decision has been well communicated to the heads of Fulani settlers in Omala, who are expected, as directed, to convey the decision to their people.
“Hon. Edibo told all the security Operatives to be diligent in carrying out the orders by ensuring strict compliance by the herders; warning that defaulters will face the full wrath of the law”.