GIA rejects cattle colony in Igboland, cautions South-east governors

GIA rejects cattle colony in Igboland, cautions South-east governors

- The proposal of cattle colonies by the Federal Government is still drawing attention all over Nigeria and beyond

- The proposal seems to have been dead on arrival as virtually most individuals and groups have rejected the idea

- A conglomerate of Igbo associations around the globe has added their voice to the debate

A conglomerate of Igbo associations around the globe known as Global Igbo Alliance (GIA), has rejected the planned imposition of cattle colony on states by the Federal Government of Nigeria, warning the South-east governors against accepting such initiatives in Igbo land.

In an open letter to governors of the region, signed by its president and secretary, the group lamented that herdsmen, who are currently number four in the world terrorist index are being treated with kid gloves, even as they continued to kill Nigerians in their hundreds.

Herdsmen are now a dreaded group avoided by most Nigerians. Source: Twitter

Part of the letter read: “Global Igbo Alliance is calling on the entire Igbo nations, eastern state governors, politicians and Igbo leaders of thought as well as their western counterpart to vigorously resist the cattle colony plan.

“It is wrong to allow herdsmen to continue to kill innocent Nigerians. It is incomprehensible that President Buhari`s government has refused to apply the same level of force it applied to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on the Fulani herdsmen, despite their atrocities in Nigeria.

“The killings, maiming and massacre of innocent citizens, including women, both pregnant and nursing mothers, children, and men are so brazen and beyond imagination. It presents Nigeria under Buhari government as a barbaric and dangerous place to be in.

“We condemn this systematic ethnic cleansing going on in Nigeria and points that the murderous activities of herdsmen is what will lead to civil war, and not the agitation for Biafra or regional autonomous government now being proposed by very many Nigerians across the nation.

“The current government appears not to see human life as sacred and superior to all things and must never be equated to a cow. Regrettably, it is only in current government that cows are valued more than human beings.”

The group charged the current government to display equity and fairness by declaring the herdsmen a terrorist organisation and treat them as such, noting that since the atrocious activities of the herdsmen started, people have raised many pertinent questions, which have remained unanswered.

“For instance, why would the herdsmen be allowed to openly carry sophisticated and heavy weapons, such as AK47 which costs over N3million? Why would they be attacking at will and with impunity? Who are sponsoring them? Who are behind them? Why would a group which has been identified by the world terrorism index as the fourth deadliest terrorist organization not identified as a terrorist group by the current government? And why should government trivialize their atrocities?,” the group queried.

GIA pointed out that the murderous activities of the herdsmen was already getting to a boiling point, adding that any plan proposed by the government that was short of criminalizing the herdsmen activities could not be a panacea to the menace.

The group described as very shameful, insensitive, discourteous the statement credited to the minister of defense, Rtd Brig-Gen Mohammed Dan-Alli that the killings was caused by the enactment of the anti-grazing laws by some states and the unwillingness of the affected communities to accommodate their fellow Nigerians, stressing that such statement by a government official shows no respect to the families of those killed by herdsmen.

GIA therefore warned the South-east governors, saying, “Our eastern states governors and Igbo leaders of thoughts should note that no cattle colony will be entertained in Igbo land, because doing so will be tantamount to going on a suici*e mission.

“The so called cattle colonies are not in line with international best practice for cattle rearing. Therefore, it makes no common sense trying to establish the cattle colonies in Igbo land and all eastern states. If colonies must be created, the colonies can be created in the states where the herdsmen come from.

“We wish to warn all the eastern states governors, politicians, Igbo leaders of thought to stay away from escalating the problems of Igbo people by not succumbing to pressure of the Federal Government regarding the so cattle colonies or grazing bill for the herdsmen.

“The massacre in Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu state by herdsmen is still fresh in mind and remains unsolved, with none of the perpetrators ever prosecuted or brought to book.

“Herdsmen, by all intents and purposes, are a terrorist organization and have been globally declared so. We therefore call on the eastern states leaders not to entertain terrorists in our states but to put pressure on the Federal Government to declare herdsmen a terrorist organization and treat them so.”

Meanwhile, recent media reports indicates that the 10-man working committee constituted few days ago by the National Economic Council to end attacks by herdsmen has decided that every state should design its own solutions.

According to the report, the committee proposed that the states should come up with the solutions after a rigorous consultative process with all stakeholders.

The committee, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, comprises the governors of Adamawa, Benue, Ebonyi, Edo, Kaduna, Oyo, Plateau and Zamfara states.

Okowa ifeanyi Kicks Against Cattle Colonies In Delta

Okowa Kicks Against Cattle Colonies In Delta

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has declared that the state does not have land for cattle colonies.

The governor stated this on Tuesday while addressing stakeholders at a meeting involving herdsmen, farmers, community leaders and heads of security agencies.

He decried the inability of the federal government to disarm armed herdsmen who perpetrate crimes and other vices also called on the Federal Government to come up with a clear-cut policy that will help bring an end to the menace.

He tasked Chairmen of local government councils to set up a special task force on security within one week with all interest groups duly represented.

Most communities in Delta State are known for their ability in the farming profession, some of these communities have also had unfortunate experiences due to the farmer/herdsmen clashes

Agricultural advantage that emanates from these communities may have been thwarted by fear and cautiousness as a result of alleged attacks from suspected Fulani herdsmen

At the meeting farmers, traditional rulers and community leaders narrated their losses in the hands of herdsmen with a majority of them calling on the government to come up with policies that will ensure a peaceful coexistence amongst them.

While advocating peaceful co-existence among Deltans, security agencies gave assurances that security will not be compromised by the police in ensuring peaceful co-existence in the state

The governor in his remarks noted that the state is a coastal state with most of its land waterlogged has no land for cow colony as proposed by the Federal Government is asking all parties to ensure for mutual respect.

Herdsmen destroy Governor Orton's Farm house

Suspected herdsmen destroy Governor Ortom’s farmhouse in fresh attacks on Benue state
- Police repel attacks by suspected herdsmen on Yogbo community in Benue state
- The chairman of Guma local government area, Anthony Shawon, says the herdsmen that launched the attacks were backed by militant gangs
- Police gives information on operation in Benue
Suspected herdsmen reportedly killed two persons in fresh attacks on Guma local government area of Benue state on Monday, February 5.
Vanguard reports that a farm house belonging to Governor Samuel Ortom was said to have been destroyed by the marauding gang in the attack which occurred less than 24 hours after six persons were killed and several property and farmlands destroyed in a similar attack on Yogbo, in the same local government area.
The police however succeeded in repelling the attack on Yogbo and chased the invaders out of the community.

The chairman of Guma local government area, Anthony Shawon, who confirmed that latest attack said the herdsmen that launched the attack were backed by militant gangs.
“The herdsmen, backed by their militia, invaded Waku village this afternoon (yesterday) and killed two persons. They are also getting close to Gbajimba town, the local government headquarters and as I speak with you, they have attacked and sacked Governor Ortom’s farm house in Gbajimba,” he said.
“Our fear is that if we are not careful, they might overrun the local government headquarters the way they are going."
Shawon commended the police for preventing the herdsmen from overrunning Yogbo community. He however urged the police to sustain the resistance against herdsmen attacks.

Meanwhile, the inspector-general of police, Ibrahim Idris, has deployed 15 additional police units, special forces, technical and intelligence teams to contain further attacks in Benue.
Fatai Owoseni, the commissioner of police in the state, disclosed this on Monday, February 5, in Makurdi while addressing newsmen.
NAN reports that he said the command had rescued a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) who got missing during the February attack in Yogbo community in Guma local government area in the battle between police and suspected herdsmen.

Clergyman condemns killings by herdsmen, opposes cattle colonies

Clergyman condemns killings by herdsmen, opposes cattle colonies

Herdsmen

The Supreme Head, Cherubim & Seraphim Unification of Nigeria, His Most Eminence, Prophet Solomon Alao, has condemned the killing of innocent farmers by herdsmen in the country.

Dr. Alao who spoke yesterday in Lagos at a press conference to herald the church’s annual conference billed for Badagry, Lagos also condemned the idea of establishing cattle colonies across Nigeria, saying it is capable of creating more conflicts and set Nigerians against one another.

He also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari‘s fight against corruption and his efforts in diversifying the economy by encouraging local production of food. However, Alao charged the current administration to sustain the fight against corruption without nepotism and bias for any associate and party allies.The C &S head advised Christians in Nigeria, especially his church members, to register and get their voters cards ready against 2019 elections.

The clergyman who admitted that politics may be dirty urged Christians to get involved and clean the system.  He said: “If we don’t participate, there is no way we can clean the so -alled dirty politics. My church is willing to support any of the members that are willing to contest in 2019.”Alao who also dispelled claims by some Christians that C &S is known for fetish and idolatry, said his church is a bible-believing church and that it stands for God.

“We stand against any form of abominable sacrifices and we have commenced serious preaching against it and we are ready to discipline any of our leaders that portray the church in such manner,” he added.

Speaking also at the event, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director and erstwhile Secretary to the Lagos State Government, His Grace Olorunfunmi Basorun, urged Senate President Bukola Saraki and other National Assembly members to drop whatever issues they have with the Buhari and take decisions that could foster quick economic growth for the country.

Basorun said: “The National Assembly may have vowed not to confirm the appointment of the President’s nominees, but they should consider the plight of the commoners and approve some sensitive presidential nominees, some people whose duties are sensitive to the nation’s economic growth.

“For Instance, the Senate should single out the CBN list of nominees for monetary council policies; which involves the two CBN deputy governors and approve it as soon as possible. Doing this will allow drivers of the economy to start driving the nation’s economic policies with a view to fostering economic growth.”

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Herdsmen, farmers clashes: Cattle colonies to start next week

Herdsmen, farmers clashes: Cattle colonies to start next week

Cattle on farm [Photo: View Point Nigeria]
The Federal Government says work will commence next week on cattle colonies in states that has indicated interest to establish them.
PREMIUM TIMES reported the mixed reactions that have trailed the proposal for cattle colonies. Some states like Benue and Taraba, which have experienced clashes between farmers and herdsmen, have rejected the proposal, while others like Kogi supported it.
Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, disclosed the imminent commencement on Friday during a visit to the Agriculture and Veterinary Complex of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Mr. Ogbeh said the National Economic Council on Thursday set up a 10-member committee comprising the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, as chairman and nine governors to facilitate the commencement of the cattle colonies in interested states.
“We are happy that we are making progress in agriculture now.
“One of the most topical issues we have today is that of farmers and herdsmen clashes.
“If we do not deal with it quickly, we run the risk of damaging the harmony and the co-existence of Nigeria as a country. The killings are getting too many.
“In our attempt to solve the problem, we have proffered certain solutions but perhaps we were not sensitive enough to Nigeria’s fragile sensitivities and suspicions.
“When we spoke of colonies, we were immediately greeted with reactions that this was an attempt to cease Nigeria’s land and give to the Fulanis to colonise.
“The intention is not for Fulanis or anyone to colonise any territory. It is to provide a haven for cattle to graze in peace under controlled environments to prevent the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.
“Only yesterday, a committee was set up by the Vice President with members, most of them, state governors discussing this matter and resolving that states that are interested will begin work on this matter as soon as next week.’’
The minister said that the federal government would engage the services of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) to assist in the production of fodder for cattle.
According to him, open grazing is posing serious challenges and it is not too efficient for the cattle.
Mr. Ogbeh described open grazing as a `torture’ to cattle which usually do not enjoy long distance walks.
“It doesn’t allow us to harvest milk; the cows are not well fed. What is going on is almost torture to animals.
“If we can create a new environment for cattle, give them what they need, protect them from rustlers, the herdsmen will quickly discover that they are making far more money than what they are doing now,’’ Mr. Ogbe said.
Earlier, the Director of NAPRI, Clarence Lakpini, said pastoralists in the country had no fewer than 19.7 million cattle and 113.8 million sheep and goats which were currently grazing.
“We have a population of about 19.7 million cattle and total of 113.8 million sheep and goats. These are animals that graze and 90 per cent of these are owned by the pastoralists.
“These animals contribute a lot to the GDP of Nigeria. In fact, in the agricultural sector, it contributes 30 per cent of the National Agricultural GDP and of the National GDP, 3.2 per cent.’’
Mr. Lakpini also said that NAPRI had gone into partnership with various animal stakeholders to resolve the conflict between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis: 'Players know' I should be an All-Star starter

Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis: 'Players know' I should be an All-Star starter

NBA, New York Knicks , Philadelphia 76ers
NBA players voted Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis as an All-Star starter over Philadelphia's Joel Embiid, but Embiid won the overall vote with support from fans and media.
Porzingis stated clearly how he felt about the voting when asked about it on Friday.
"Players know," Porzingis said, according to published reports. "That's all I'm going to say."
Starters were determined by a vote from fans, players and a select group of media.
Embiid ranked third in fan and media voting for Eastern Conference frontcourt players but was fourth in the player vote. The top three frontcourt players from each conference earned a starting spot.
Porzingis finished third in the player vote for Eastern Conference frontcourt starter but was fourth among fan and media voters.
Fans accounted for 50 percent of the vote, while all current players and the media panel accounted for 25 percent each, which is how Embiid finished ahead of Porzingis in the overall vote.
Embiid, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo were named starters when the NBA announced the vote on Thursday.
Porzingis hopes to be voted in as an All-Star reserve. Head coaches vote for the reserves. Those results will be announced on Tuesday.
"I would hope so," he said on Friday, according to reports. "In my mind, I deserve it. All I got to do is play good and win games and the results will take care of itself."
Entering play Friday, Porzingis was averaging 23.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.4 blocks in 39 games for the Knicks (20-25).
By comparison, Embiid was averaging 23.9 points, 11 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.9 blocks in 32 games for Philadelphia (21-20).
ESPN's Ian Begley contributed to this report