The Ekiti State Government has issued a strong warning to herders, urging them not to jeopardize its significant investments in agriculture by allowing their livestock to damage farmlands.
This warning was delivered by the Special Adviser to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Security Matters, Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Ekiti State Farmers/Herders Peace Committee.
The meeting, held on Wednesday at Jibowu Hall, Government House in Ado Ekiti, emphasised the need for responsible herding practices.
In a statement shared on the state government’s official Facebook page, Ogundana stressed that the government would strictly enforce laws against underage herders and those engaged in nighttime grazing.
As chairman of the committee, Ogundana highlighted that the committee was inaugurated by Governor Oyebanji in 2023 to find a lasting solution to the persistent clashes between farmers and herders.
He noted that these measures are essential for fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding between both groups in the state.
“Since the government will not fold its arms and allow the lawlessness to continue, the Herders/Farmers Peace Committee was inaugurated by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in 2023. The Committee is to interface between the herders and farmers. In addition, there are other policies and control measures put in place to strengthen the relationship between them.
“Some of these policies include; the Anti-Grazing Law which is an Act of the state House of Assembly. The law is to ensure that there is no grazing at night, Prohibition of under-age from grazing, no grazing on the farmland and the defaulters are to be dealt with according to the law of the land.
Ogundana announced that to ensure effective coordination and compliance at the local government level, the committee has appointed 18 Local Government Coordinators to represent the committee within their respective LGAs.
He added that this initiative aims to foster cooperation among herders, farmers, and host communities, helping to bridge gaps and enhance mutual understanding.
He urged traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and representatives of farmers and herders to establish a forum for dialogue. This platform, he suggested, would promote interdependence, reduce suspicion and trespassing issues, and educate stakeholders on the importance of adhering to the state’s Anti-Grazing Law.
Ogundana also revealed that the government has created Farm Settlements across the state to tackle food shortages. In addition, an Agro-Task Force, comprising security agencies, has been set up to safeguard farmlands and farmers.
“Identification of herders, farmers and the host communities staying on the farm settlements. Registration of the concerned groups is in progress. This will enable the communities to identify intruders or criminals entering the areas to carry out illegal activities, instead of allowing innocent people to suffer. You are requested to cooperate with the team that will be going around to carry out the exercise.
“There is the need to prevent herders migrating from other States to Ekiti State. It is a general belief that the migrating herders come from outside Nigeria to graze in Nigeria. This group of herders are suspected to have some criminal tendencies and they are destructive.”, He asserted.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, disclosed Governor Oyebanji’s strategic plan to significantly invest in agriculture in 2025.
He emphasised the need for thorough preparation to ensure the protection of farmers and farmlands from potential threats, including miscreants posing as herders.
Boluwade also highlighted the critical link between peace and societal development, noting that this year alone, the government has invested over N2 billion in the agricultural sector.
He stressed the importance of realizing the return on this investment to motivate both the government and farmers to increase their efforts.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Kayode Akinwale, speaking on behalf of the state’s security chiefs, praised Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to maintaining peace and security.
He urged traditional rulers to take responsibility for the safety of their domains by establishing local security vigilantes to safeguard their communities.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, represented by the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, called on security forces to fulfil their duties diligently.
He expressed confidence in the government’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and ensure the security of the state.
