Ogun State Urged to Implement Anti-Grazing Law to Curb Herdsmen Violence

The call for the enforcement of the anti-grazing law in Ogun State has gained momentum in recent times, as the state continues to grapple with the menace of herdsmen violence. The law, which was passed in 2016, prohibits open grazing in the state and provides for the establishment of ranches for cattle breeding. However, the law has not been effectively enforced, leading to continued clashes between herders and farmers. The herders, who are mostly Fulani, have been accused of destroying crops and killing farmers who resist their incursions into farmlands. The farmers, on the other hand, have been forced to abandon their farms due to the constant threat of attack by the herders. The situation has led to a significant decline in agricultural production in the state, with many farmers unable to harvest their crops. The state government has been criticized for its failure to enforce the law, with many accusing it of being too soft on the herders. The government has, however, defended its actions, saying that it is working to find a lasting solution to the crisis. The Ogun State House of Assembly has also been urged to take action to ensure that the law is enforced. The lawmakers have been called upon to convene an emergency session to discuss the issue and find a way to address it. The herders have also been accused of carrying arms and using them to attack farmers who resist their incursions into farmlands. The police have been accused of being complicit in the attacks, with many alleging that they are being bribed by the herders to look the other way. The state government has, however, denied these allegations, saying that it is committed to protecting the lives and property of all citizens. The crisis has also led to a significant increase in the cost of food in the state, as farmers are no longer able to produce at optimal levels. The state government has been urged to take action to address the crisis, including providing support to farmers who have been affected by the violence. The government has also been called upon to establish ranches for cattle breeding, as provided for in the anti-grazing law. The ranches would provide a safe and secure environment for the herders to breed their cattle, without posing a threat to farmers. The state government has, however, said that it lacks the funds to establish the ranches, and has called on the federal government to provide support. The federal government has, however, said that it is not responsible for enforcing the law, and that the state government must take action to address the crisis. The crisis has also led to a significant increase in tension between the herders and farmers, with many fearing that the situation could escalate into full-blown violence. The state government has, however, urged calm, saying that it is working to find a lasting solution to the crisis. The government has also established a committee to look into the crisis and find a way to address it. The committee has been tasked with finding a solution that would be acceptable to all parties, and has been given a deadline to submit its report. The state government has also been urged to take action to prevent further attacks by the herders, including deploying security personnel to affected areas. The government has, however, said that it lacks the resources to deploy security personnel to all affected areas, and has called on the federal government to provide support.

Source