Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) and the World Igbo Congress (WIC), have warned against establishing cattle ranches in Enugu State.
It would be recalled that the Enugu State government had proposed the establishment of a cattle ranch in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area as a measure to curb open grazing in the state.
However, stakeholders of the two LGAs had kicked against it, citing the invasion of Nimbo community by cattle herdsmen during the regime of former Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The incident left over 50 natives killed.
The Igbo groups, in a letter signed by Dr Sir Festus Okere, WIC Chairman, and Dr Sylvester Onyia, AVID President, disapproved of the initiative, and referred Gov Mbah to the gory outcomes of the cattle ranch established by former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and warned against the repeat of such in Enugu State.
The groups, in a letter entitled “Concerns Regarding the Establishment of a Cattle Ranch in Enugu State,” said, “We have become aware of plans to establish a cattle ranch in the state, which has prompted our joint communication. We express our collective disapproval and lack of endorsement for such initiatives within your jurisdiction.
“Drawing on the experience of a similar programme initiated by former Governor Orji Uzo Kalu of Abia State, which failed to deliver the anticipated economic benefits, we urge caution.
“Recent unsettling reports of over 80 casualties near the Lokpanta cattle market, presumed to be Igbo natives, further underscore our concerns. Cattle ranching, being a private enterprise, does not align with the ethos of Igbo land.”
The group said that herders are often associated with violence and disorder.
According to them, any cattle ranch in the state could have dire consequences to the Igbo values of equality and freedom within democratic societies.
