Governor releases seized cows after reaching deals with Fulani herdsmen

Fayose reaching deals with Fulani herdsmen

Fayose also warned that anyone who is found after the stipulated grazing period, will be dealt with. Governor Ayo Fayose has released the cows which were seized by the Ekiti State Grazing Enforcement Marshals for violating the anti-grazing law.

The Governor signed the Ekiti state Open Grazing Prohibition Bill into law on August 29, 2016.

Fayose also signed a peace pact with members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

The Governor however said that he released the cows to foster a cordial relationship between the cattle rearers, farmers and his government.

Fayose also warned that anyone who is found after the stipulated grazing period of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, will be dealt with.

The Governor said “I have decided to release these cows to strengthen our union. So, I expect you to comply with the law because after now, if you contravene the law, we will take appropriate sanctions against you.”

He also asked the cattle rearers to register with the traditional rulers in their host communities, so they can be monitored.

The executives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Governor Ayo Fayose have met to resolve some issues in the Ekiti state grazing law.

Fayose told the representatives of the herdsmen that he has nothing against the Fulani community.

The Governor said “I have nothing against you or any other ethnic group. Nobody should bring politics into this matter. If a Yoruba person destroys your property I will defend you too. It is people destroying other people’s farms that are causing this problem.

“We have given lands to people to farm and they have paid, some for many years to use the lands and when somebody now comes and destroys their means of livelihood and make them suffer losses, we won’t allow that. If anybody says Fayose is after Hausa or Fulani people, that person has no sense. During my first term, I appointed a man from Malunfashi as a Special Adviser. This term too, I appointed Musa Kanga into the Pilgrims Welfare Board.

 “In Oke Ako-Ekiti last May, two persons were killed, people’s wives raped by those hiding under the guise of rearing cattle. I have 83 cows too and I have told the person taking care of them that if he goes against the law and any of them is seized, he will be responsible for that.”

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, the Ekiti State Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Muhammad Nasamu, thanked The Ekiti Governor  for being frank and open.

The group had earlier asked Fayose to tender an unreserved apology and compensate its members whose cows were killed.

On August 29, 2016, Governor Fayose signed the Ekiti Open Grazing Prohibition Bill into law, banning herdsmen from carrying arms and indiscriminately moving cattle from one location to the other.