Ebonyi massacre: we’ll fully implement law against open grazing, says ALGON

Zara Nwachinaemere, Abakaliki

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ebonyi chapter, Wednesday, vowed to resist open grazing of cows in all the 13 local government areas that make up Ebonyi state.

The chairmen said the law against open grazing will be fully implemented in their local government areas and in the state.

The leadership of ALGON led by Princes Nkechinyere Iyioku made the vow shortly after a meeting at the Traditional Rulers Council Office, no. 1 Onwe Road, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

ALGON made their decision known through it’s spokesman, Hon. Paul Nwogha, council chairman Izzi local government area.

The association was reacting to the recent attack on four communities in Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi state by alleged herdsmen, killing over 15 persons.

He said the decision was taken by the chairmen of the 13 LGAs and 64 Development Centre Coordinators in the state.

It also gave security agencies in Ebonyi state 72 hours to identify and arrest all those involved in the killings, adding that local vigilantes have been put in place to guard all parts of the state.

“We gave them peace but all they could return back to the State was to kill over 15 persons. That is very cruel to such peaceful and accommodating State like Ebonyi, we are here full of tears on what happened in the State.

“We support the law against open grazing and henceforth, anyone who engages in the act would be resisted.

“This is to ensure that such carnage does not repeat in any of our councils as the attack was unwarranted.

“Security agencies have not done enough in protecting our people and we urge residents of the affected areas not to vacate their homes in panic.

“There is no law permitting individuals to bear arms in the country but the vigilantes would defend the people.

“We will continue supporting the governor in securing the state and also resist acts targeted at distracting him in his governance, he said.”