Southern Governors Oppose Cattle Colonies

The Ebonyi State Government described the proposed cattle colony as a strange and deceptive concept designed to dispossess states of their treasure. According to him, it is not practicable and therefore unacceptable.
It therefore advocated the adoption of a ranching system as a panacea for curbing the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country. This was also the position of all Governors present.
Governor David Umahi, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, said, “The proposed cattle colony is strange to the state government because it is a deceptive arrangement to dispossess us of our precious lands.”
Also. Governors Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and the leadership of the Imo State House of Assembly have ruled out any plan to release land for the proposed cattle colonies.
Fayose, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said, Ekiti will not surrender its land for any cattle colonies.
He said, “We don’t give ponds to fish farmers; government does not give pens to poultry farmers, and does not give shops to traders because they are all businessmen.
“A cattle breeder should get a cattle ranch because he is a businessman. We will not surrender our land for any cattle colony.”
Ikpeazu, who also spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Enyinnaya Appolos, said the state would reject plans to establish “any Fulani colony in Abia State.”
He said, “We reject any plan to establish cattle colonies for herdsmen in Abia State. We don’t have enough land for our agricultural activities and our people want more land to farm.” The call for ranching is coming amidst the incessant killings by herdsmen in Benue, Nassarawa and Kaduna states. Governor Ortom of Benue State had maintained that he does not understand the word “colony” and hence, it can’t work for his people.