Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said the ban on open grazing in the state
remains in force. He has, therefore, warned that anyone found violating the law
would be made to face the full wrath of the law. He said any herdsman, who
desired to build a ranch, should approach communities in the state to buy land.
The governor said this while addressing stakeholders during an interactive session
on the Edo State Regional Development and Benin City Master Plan, held at
Iguobazuwa, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state.
Obaseki, who pledged the government’s commitment to the safety and security of
residents, called for the collaboration and support of all stakeholders to ensure a
peaceful, secure and prosperous Edo State. He said, “Any herdsman in our bush
without permission is working against the law of our state, and anything that
happens, they can’t blame anyone.” For those who want to grant permission for
anyone to enter the forest areas, the governor has a word for them. He said, “Let us
be sure that nobody gives that person the permission to enter our forest and if
permission will be granted, let us know the type of permission given to them to
come into our bushes or forest to graze with their cattle.”
If some people are fond of flouting the law, the governor has a strong message for
them: “Open grazing is banned in Edo State. If they are in your forest, let us know
where they are because we have police and vigilantes who will help us get them
out through a (telephone) number we will give you to call.” Obaseki said anyone
who wanted to engage in ranching should approach communities for land. “They
should do business with you and not invade our forest indiscriminately as if there
are no owners. The forest and bushes belong us,” he said.