Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Igbo youths under the aegis of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) have called for the immediate implementation of the anti-open grazing law in all the states of the South-East geopolitical zone.
According to COSEYL, this is the panacea to the incessant cases of farmland invasions by cows in parts of the South-East.
The call follows Ikengaonline’s publication on the lamentation of Mrs. Felicia Nwokonte, from Umuana Ndume in Umuahia North Local Government Area, whose farmland and crops were recently destroyed by cows right inside the Abia State capital.
According to the 53-year-old farmer and mother of four, her cassava, vegetables, and other crops cultivated in a fenced plot of land were eaten up by cows after the herders forcibly gained entry into the premises.
COSEYL, in a statement by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, said that the bitter experience of Mrs. Nwokonte and other farmers had reinforced the urgent need for South-East governors to implement the anti-open grazing law in the region.
Igbo youths expressed bewilderment and rage that herders could have the temerity to force their way into fenced premises to graze their flock, describing it as impunity taken too far.
The statement made available to Vanguard read: “It has come to our attention that the herders broke into her farm by tampering with the padlock securing the premises, allowing their cattle to graze on her carefully cultivated crops. This violation has not only turned her farmland into an unrecognizable wasteland but has also caused her immense emotional and financial distress.
“The escalating conflict between farmers and herders in the region highlights the urgent need for the Abia State Government, under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti, as well as other governors in the South-East, to enforce the existing laws on open grazing without delay.
“The law must be upheld and those who violate it must be held accountable to prevent further devastation to the farming community.”
The statement said: “Mrs. Nwokonte’s plight is a stark reminder of the broader challenges farmers are facing due to the destructive behaviour of herders.”
COSEYL regretted that “the unchecked actions of a few individuals have led to widespread hunger and hardship for our people, as crops – which are essential for sustenance – are being devoured by cattle.”
“This situation is no longer sustainable, and immediate intervention is required,” the statement added.
COSEYL also called for government support for Mrs. Nwokonte and other victims of herders in the South-East.
“We are calling on Governor Alex Otti and his fellow governors in the South East to prioritize the following actions: Immediate enforcement of the Open Grazing Law to ensure that laws prohibiting open grazing are actively enforced, with strict penalties for violators; and support for victims – provide immediate assistance to farmers like Mrs. Nwokonte who have suffered significant losses from cattle invasion. This should include reparations or alternative means of livelihood.
COSEYL also called for a public awareness campaign to educate the public on the laws governing livestock rearing in the region, to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
As we advocate for these necessary changes, we stand in solidarity with Mrs. Felicia Nwokonte and all affected farmers across Abia State and the South-East zone.
“It is imperative that we act decisively to protect our agricultural lands and ensure our communities have access to the food they need to thrive,” COSEYL said.
The statement warned herdsmen “to immediately steer clear of farms and stop any form of open grazing in the South East region.”
It declared that the anti-open grazing law had come to stay and must be obeyed by all.
