The Executive Governors of the seventeen southern states in Nigeria recently met in Asaba, Delta State Capital to deliberate on the bad state of security in the country. During the meeting, the Governors resolved to ban open grazing across all the states in southern Nigeria.
It should be recalled that Governors of the south west region announced a similar ban in January, citing security concerns triggered by open grazing.
Conflict between farmers and herders induced by open grazing has led to the death of many people and has displaced thousands from their communities.
The governors noted with concern the incursion of armed herders and criminal bandits into the south, escalating insecurity that has prevented citizens from living their normal lives.
The governors made it known that development and population growth has exerted pressure on limited land resources, increased the prospects of conflict with nomadic herders.
In a communique released after the meeting, the 17 governors said: “Given this scenario, it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the south (including cattle movement to the south by foot).”
The governors recommended that the Federal Government should support states that are willing to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.
Also, part of the resolutions reached by the governors was that President Buhari should address Nigerians so as to rebuild confidence in his leadership.
