Obaseki Insists On Ban On Open Grazing In Edo

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has warned that the ban on open grazing in the state was still in force and vowed that violators of the ban will be punished according to the law.
The governor, who gave the warning during an interactive session on the Edo State Regional Development and Benin City Master Plan, at Iguobazuwa, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, reassured of the government’s commitment to the safety and security of residents.
“Any herdsman in our bush without permission is working against the law of our State, and anything that happens, they can’t blame anyone,” he warned further.
He said nobody should permit herdsmen to take their cattle to graze in the forests. “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 number we will give you to call,” he said.
The governor asked people seeking to do ranching business to approach the government and contact the community people, who will decide on the land to use and method of feeding their cattle.
“They should do the business with you and not invade our forest indiscriminately as if there are no owners. The forest and bushes belong us.” he stressed.