Herders/Farmers clashes: Gov. Umahi issues ’10 Commandments’ to parties to eliminate conflict

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has issued 10 Commandments to both herders and farmers to be complied with,  warning that the government would deal decisively to any group that violates the order.
Governor Umahi issued the order in Abakaliki the state capital, on Tuesday, in  a communique issued at the end of an enlarged Security Council meeting convened by the government to end frequent clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
The  communique, which was read on his  behalf by deputy governor, Kelechi Igwe, considers issues that bother on security and peaceful coexistence among farmers and herders.
According to the communique. “Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association must take up responsibility for any destruction of farmlands/ crops and attack on communities “
“Rape cases are not exempted, the leadership of the Association must produce  suspected rapists within  7 days.
“Council Chairmen and other leaders of Thought in the communities must produce suspected  attackers of herders within 7 days “
The communique further stipulates that herders must reside in areas where they carry out grazing activities.
It warned that under aged herders involved in grazing activities  will be arrested while the chief herdsman would be arrested and prosecuted.

Besides, local government chairmen must arrest any minor rearing Cattle in the State.
“Any Cattle carrying Cattle on foot on any of the tarred roads in the State must be arrested”
“Grazing of Cattle within the newly constructed Government House located at the Centenary city , within mosques, churches is prohibited and offenders prosecuted.
The communique further directs the State Chief Judge Amselem Nwaigwe, to set up Special courts  for trial of rape cases and violators of Covid-19 law in the State.
“Local Government Chairmen across the 13 local Government Areas must liaze with the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders to produce Identity Cards for herders.
The communique concluded that Herders in Ebonyi State will benefit from the State Government palliatives to curtail the hardship posed by the prevalence of Covid-19 in the country.

The meeting had in attendance leaders and members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in the state, the State Commissioner of Police Philip Make, Director of Security Services, Heads of Security Agencies, herders, farmers, members of the state Executive Council, members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association  among others.