The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government will go the whole length in the implementation of the anti-grazing law to checkmate farmer-herder’s crisis in Orhionmwon communities and ensure the safety and security of the people and other residents of the State.
Obaseki who visited the palace of the Enogie of Ugo-Niyekeorhionmwon in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the State, said his government will accelerate infrastructural development in the area, ensuring more roads to connect more communities in Orhionmwon.
The governor said, “I want to thank all of you for keeping the peace. I know how much Orhionmwon people have suffered these past years but as I told you in 2020 when I came here to campaign, it’s my duty as governor of Edo State to connect Orhionmwon with other parts of Edo State.
“Ugo-Niyekeorhionmwon is a farming community and your number one trade is agriculture. As a governor, my first priority is to make sure that I make it possible for you to farm and get your products and crops to the market for sale.
“So, anything that will stop you from farming or carrying your goods to the market, I will make sure that I reverse it. The last time I was here in this palace was because of a sad incident when some people were killed by bandits and herdsmen.
“I know that we had a security problem in Orhionmwon which affected farmers. We have been trying to ensure peace in the area since that time. There are still some problems but with the support of the vigilante and other strategies that we have put in place, we will make sure that we stop open grazing in Orhionmwon.”
Obaseki continued: “There is a law in Edo State today which prohibits and stops open grazing in Orhionmwon. It’s illegal for anybody to bring their cow and graze openly. If they must feed their cows, they must agree first with you and you give them an area to do it.”
He added, “I appeal to you to maintain the peace. You made me governor and I can’t do anything against you. No matter the issues and problems, I will make sure that we resolve it amicably. I want to appeal to you not to worry as I will not do anything that is not in the interest of my people of Ugo-Niyekeorhionmwon.”
Speaking on behalf of the Community, the liaison officer of Orhionmwon LGA, Newman Ugiagbe, thanked the governor for his visit, assuring that the people of will continue to work with the government to improve security and safety in the state.
