The Ankpa Local Government Area in Kogi State has directed Fulani herdsmen in the Emere community to vacate their farmlands within 48 hours, citing repeated complaints of farmland destruction by cattle.
This decision was made during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Ankpa Local Government Secretariat.
Ankpa council chairman, Engr. Adamu Muhammed Yahaya, said on Thursday that the community would no longer tolerate the losses being inflicted on farmers.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch cattle destroying the farm crops that are sustaining the livelihoods of the people,” he stated.
“I am impressed with the level of peace we have enjoyed in Ankpa. However, we must ensure that our farmers can cultivate their lands without disruption or fear of harm or crop destruction, especially during this farming season. My administration is fully committed to ensuring that farmers and every resident of Ankpa have a secure environment and can go about their daily activities,” he added.
Elder statesman and community stakeholder, Alhaji Abubakar Hassan, explained that the meeting became necessary due to the destruction of crops by herders’ cattle.
“The community can no longer tolerate the activities of these herders whose main aim is to destroy our crop farms to boost their own livestock business, to the detriment of our farmers,” he said.
“We agreed unanimously that the herdsmen should prepare for their relocation from Emere land to pave the way for farmers to cultivate their crops during this cropping season,” Hassan added.
Senior Gago of Emere, His Royal Highness Ayuba Jibrin praised the council chairman’s approach and assured that youths would refrain from harming herders or cattle during relocation.
The herders are expected to relocate peacefully, allowing farmers to cultivate their crops during the current season.
The Ankpa council chairman has urged stakeholders to support his peace initiatives and called on the Fulani herdsmen to remain peaceful.