Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has named General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd.) as chairman of Livestock Control Committee to end clashes between herders and farmers in the state.
At the inauguration of the 27-man committee, the governor tasked the committee to work line with the terms of reference.
He urged the committee to handle the task carefully while the assignment was being carried out.
He said: ‘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 clashes 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, Esekhaigbe pledged the committee’s dedication to do the right thing.
He said: ‘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. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers areas crisis will not be a thing to mention in our dear state’.
He outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference to include: regulating the movement of livestock within the state; inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches; controlling the activities of cattle herdsmen within various communities; providing security reports to the Governor on the activities of cattle and livestock farmers within designated ranching areas; and determining and recommending permit fees and renewal fees for cattle and livestock herdsmen/owners.
Okpebholo also inaugurated a high-powered Boundary Committee, headed by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
He said the committee would address boundary disputes affecting communities within the state and neighbouring ones.
He said: ‘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’.
Idahosa pledged the committee’s commitment to deliver on what he termed crucial task.
‘This committee will strive to carry out our mission which is to ensure accurate boundary demarcation, promote peaceful coexistence among communities and foster development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate’, the Deputy Governor said.
