By Kalu Onyemaechi
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has reiterated his position on open-grazing in a summit in Ondo recently on Monday, October 25, at the 27th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja with the theme ‘Securing Our Future: The Fierce Urgency of Now’.
“Speaking for those of us who have put in place anti-open grazing law. We have our reasons, and we have no apologies,” the governor stated.
Governor Akeredolu spoke firmly against any any form of trespassing by nomadic herders.
“Yes, you have criminal trespass. It should be treated by the state. All we had before Amotekun was the police that had the duty to arrest and were not prepared to make an arrest. Things are changing and have really changed in Ondo state,” said Mr Akeredolu.
“Today, if you trespass on other people’s land, the Amotekun will go after you and arrest you. They pay compensation to the farmers, and when they fail, they are in court. It is the only way you can send signals to the people.”
He pointed out the fact that crimes could increase if they are tolerated.
“When you commit a crime, and the hands of law don’t catch up with you, another person will repeat it.” he said.
The Governor added unapologetically that nomadic pastoralism was a practice that must not be condoned.
