Don’t Make Nonsense of Our Huge Investment in Agric, Ekiti Warns Herders

In a recent interview, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, emphasized the Ekiti State Government’s commitment to protecting its substantial investments in agriculture. During a stakeholders’ meeting at Jibowu Hall in Ado Ekiti, he issued a strong warning to herders against invading and destroying farmland.

“The government will not tolerate any lawlessness that jeopardizes our agricultural efforts,” Ogundana stated. He highlighted the inauguration of the Herders/Farmers Peace Committee by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in 2023, aimed at fostering lasting peace between farmers and herders in the region.

He made it clear that the government would take decisive action against any underage herders or those herding at night. “Our policies, including the Anti-Grazing Law, are designed to maintain order,” he explained. This law, passed by the state House of Assembly, prohibits night grazing, bans underage herding, and restricts grazing on farmland, with penalties for those who violate these regulations.

To enhance coordination and compliance at the local level, the committee has appointed 18 local government coordinators. Ogundana believes this initiative will encourage cooperation among herders, farmers, and local communities. He called upon traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and representatives of both farmers and herders to establish forums for dialogue, fostering understanding and collaboration.

Additionally, General Ogundana mentioned that the state government has initiated farm settlements to combat food shortages and has implemented an Agro-Task Force, comprising security agencies, to safeguard farmlands and farmers.

“We are currently registering herders, farmers, and host communities involved in these farm settlements,” he noted. “This process will help identify intruders and prevent illegal activities, protecting innocent residents.”

He further pointed out the importance of monitoring herders migrating from other states, emphasizing concerns that some may come from outside Nigeria and display criminal tendencies.

In a related development, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, underscored Governor Oyebanji’s plans for significant agricultural investments in 2025, stressing the necessity of ensuring security and protection for farmers and their lands against potential threats from herders.