Bishop Ezeokafor condemns Killing of Farmers by Herdsmen

The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has raised an alarm over what he described as the incessant harassment and killing of farmers across the country by suspected killer herders.

Bishop Ezeokafor stated this in his homily during the first year anniversary of the 7th Anambra State House of Assembly in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

He said the situation portended danger to the country with a likely famine in the days ahead.

His words, ‘We condemn the killing and harassment of innocent citizens in their farms in some agro communities across the country. Some of them are now scared of going to their farms to avoid being murdered by killer herders.

‘We know the economic implication of not having farm produce; the prices of food items will increase and hunger will become the order of the day.’

Bishop Ezeokafor therefore called on the Federal Government to rise and put a stop to all forms of killing of innocent citizens in the country.

The Catholic Prelate commended the cordial relationship existing between the legislature and the executive in Anambra State, which, he said, had resulted in peaceful progress in the development of the state.

He enjoined the lawmakers to be good representatives of their constituencies in order to bring democracy dividends to the grassroots.

In his address, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Uche Okafor, hailed his colleagues for their peaceful disposition in their relationship with the executive arm of government.

He said, ‘At the last count, not less than 80 people-oriented resolutions touching diverse areas of our people’s welfare have been passed by the house.

‘In the past one year, a total of 19 bills, comprising executive and members’ bills, have been introduced at the floor of the House.

‘Of this number, 10 have been passed and 5 assented into law. Some of the bills that have become law include the COVID-19 and other Dangerous Infectious Disease Prevention and Eradication Bill.

‘There are also the 2020 Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Repeal and Reenactment Bill, and the State Information and Communication Technology Bill.

‘The Anambra State Public Procurement Amendment Bill and Anambra State Agency for Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Bill that may enable the state to access external funds for controlling adverse effects of climate change, including ecological problems in our state.

The Speaker said their major target this year was to put a legislative budget and research office that would house a mini printing press with a view to having an outfit for expert review and analysis, as well as to promote good governance and regular publication of the House known as ‘Hansard’ and other House periodicals.

‘Members have been upbeat in the way they have continued to relate with their constituents on the COVID-19 pandemic; enlightening the people on basic hygiene and massively providing relief materials to their constituents,’ the speaker concluded.