In what appears to be a proactive move to forestall killings by suspected armed herdsmen, Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday inaugurated the Livestock Control Committee headed by Retired Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe.
The governor charged the 27-member committee with ending the pervasive clashes between herders and farmers, adding that they must be confined to a location.
In a statement in Benin, Governor Monday Okpeholo’s chief press secretary, Fred Itua, explained that the move underscores the governor’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and development across the state.
Other members are Dr. Ernest Afolabi Uwakhikhe, AVM Charles Oghomwen, Mr. Alex Oijiagba, Comrade Saturday Okhuakhua, Samuel Arabomem, Sylvanus Bawa, Mrs. Aikefe Agbavboa and Dr. Osagie Aibuedefe,
Others are SP Eneremen Sunday, Uche Nnatube, Sir Ignatius Enabulele, Ebaloghemen Godwin, Ibgnigie O. Osaheni, Hon Moses Edo, Hon Haruna Muhammed, Dr Tony Ikpasaja and Oba’s Palace representative among others.
Inaugurating the committee, Governor Okpebholo emphasised the gravity of the assignment.
He stated, “There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have especially the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clash here and there.
“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience in the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose.”
In his acceptance speech, Retired General Esekhaigbe, acknowledged the significant responsibility placed upon the committee.
He said, “We want to express our appreciation to you, sir, for considering us fit to take this arduous task.
“The terms of reference are very clear, and it is a reflection of one of your high points when you were coming into power as governor. I know security is one of the pillars of your five points agenda, and we all know one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.”
He outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference, which include regulating the movement of livestock within the state, inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches, and controlling the activities of the herdsmen within various communities.
General Esekhaigbe concluded by pledging the committee’s dedication. “We will do our best to make sure that our assignment that has been given to us is carried out to the best of our abilities.”
Governor Okpebholo also inaugurated a high-powered Boundary Committee, signalling a decisive move to address persistent boundary disputes affecting communities within Edo State and neighbouring states.
The governor underscored the urgency of the committee’s mandate. “I am happy to see this moment because communities, especially the ones that share boundaries with us, have issues that border on clear landmarks.
“We have Lagos, we have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of Edo people.”
The boundary committee is chaired by the deputy governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa.
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