Governor Godwin Obaseki led government of Edo State has reiterated that it will not grant any part of its lands for Fulani herdsmen.
Osarodion Ogie Esq., the Secretary to the State Government while reacting to rumours making the rounds that Governor Obaseki had agreed to offer lands to the herders for grazing, said the state has not changed its decision not to cede any part of its land to herders.
Ogie in the statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, February 18, said there is no free land for grazing in the state, describing the circulated reports as misleading. He added that Governor Obaseki has continually warned against politicizing security issues in the state.
He said; “Our attention has been drawn to misleading and false media reports claiming that the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has agreed to provide grazing land for herders in the state.
“Our position on the matter of grazing land is clear and has not shifted, which is that there is no free land for grazing in Edo State. Grazing is an economic activity just like poultry and piggery or any other agricultural enterprise. The Edo State Government will not cede any land in the state for grazing.”
According to him, some political actors are trying to instigate the type of killings witnessed in some states in the country just because they are embittered by the heavy loss they suffered in the political space.
He added: “Thankfully, their plans have failed because of the pre-emptive actions taken by Governor Obaseki and the security agencies.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the current futile efforts by these defeated politicians in the state to cause mayhem and chaos among our people.
“All peace-loving people of Edo State are enjoined to dedicate this Lenten period to pray for peace at this difficult time in the life of our dear country.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has said peaceful coexistence in the country’s neighbouring country, the Niger Republic matters a lot to Nigeria.
The President in a statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said whether, national or individual matters, existence or non-existence of peace with our neighbours (Niger) also affects Nigeria’s well-being,
