Ekiti State Government on Monday night, denied speculations that it had issued quit notice to herdsmen in the state, saying the ongoing registration is to distinguish between legitimate and illegal Herders.
The speculation was triggered by the deadline giving by government to herders and farmers to register.
Reacting to the Speculations, the special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Kayode Fayemi, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, explained that the ”Herders/ Farmer Registration Process”, is designed to resolve conflict between the two parties.
Ogundana also emphasised that the total ban on night grazing, carrying of arms by herders, or use of under-age herders, stand.
He said the need to distinguish between legitimate and illegal herders was the rationale for commencement of the issuance of registration forms, as agreed by both herders and farmers.
The registration is being coordinated by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“Thousands of forms were distributed on the occasion, with a pledge to return them fully filled within a week.
However, at no point was any ultimatum issued for compliance, neither was there a threat of expulsion.
“The general public and particularly the agric sector stakeholders are hereby informed to disregard any reports to the contrary, especially on social media propagating such news of an ultimatum to herders to vacate Ekiti State,” Ogundana clarified.
Recalled that, a meeting of almost 100 stakeholders from all Local Governments in Ekiti State was held on March 18 where the need for a peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers in all communities in the state was emphasized.
