By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi Sunday said Oyo state government is set to establish grazing lands, feedlots in the state to put an end to conflict between farmers and herdsmen in the state.
The governor who stated this in his message to commemorate this year’s democracy day anniversary declared that this was part of his administration’s efforts at finding a lasting solution to the challenge of the age long conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in some parts of the state.
“The recent conflict between farmers and herdsmen in the state is being resolved via regular dialogues by various committees set up by the government. Oyo State has also decided to establish grazing lands, feedlots and ultimately, ranching as lasting solution to the challenge” he said.
It will be recalled that Governor Ajimobi at a stakeholders’ peace meeting in Ibadan attended by farmers, Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani traditional rulers, leaders of herdsmen,and the state Police Commissioner Mr. Leye Oyebade recently ordered ban on night grazing and straying of cows outside a proposed ‘enclosed designated grazing areas’ across Oyo state.
The governor at the peace meeting hinted that the state government is “proposing enclosed designated grazing areas in each community”.
“We are proposing enclosed designated grazing areas in each community. Government will buy the land from the owners for this purpose. The government will provide health workers, water and vet doctors in such places and collect tokens from the herdsmen to use the facilities” he said.
