Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NACDPAMN), Edo State chapter, has begged the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council chairman, Mr. Sino Eric Osawaru for an extension of time on the ban of open grazing in the local government area, saying members are sons and daughters of the state and not foreigners.
Spokesperson of the group and Islamic Leader, Ikpoba Okha Cattle Dealers, Mr. Amhed Evbareke, made the appeal while on a courtesy call on the Council chairman at the secretariat.
He said the extension is to enable them make adequate arrangements for their ranches.
“We are here to say that we are 100 percent in support of the banning of the open grazing.
“Secondly, we are also here to beg you to give us time to be able to sink into the new plan”, Evbareke said.
Evbareke maintained that, during the period of extension, it will avail them the opportunity to carry out what they tag identification of their cattle.
Evbareke said why the local government should give them time also is that, most of those in the cattle business are majorly citizens of the state and not foreigners as perceived by some individuals adding that asking them to stick to the December 1 deadline is eventually asking them to quit their businesses.
Mr. Evbareke said members of the association are law abiding citizens of the state and are prepared to work with the council to end open grazing in the local government area.
Addressing the association, the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council chairman, Mr. Sino Osawaru said 80 percent of the complains he received from the people of the various communities are how herdsmen have used their cattle to destroy their crops.
He said the act can’t be allowed to continue hence the need for the ban of open grazing in the local government.
Osawaru said those who want to continue with cattle business should be prepared to ranch them as the council can’t afford to please the association to the detriment of the people.
“So, as a government, we are prepared to protect your business, but not at the expense of the citizens.
“We also have businessmen. We don’t also want them to use their own business to disturb you. So, that is exactly what we stand for.
“So, I appreciate if the extension you are looking for is within what we can do as a local government”, he said.
Recall that the state local government council chairman in order to put an end to herdsmen menace, puts December 1, 2025 as deadline for open grazing in the area.