Abia State Government has condemned the recent destruction of farmlands by cows grazing openly in violation of extant laws of the State.
The State Government further condemned without reservations, the activities of criminal herdsmen suspected to have masterminded recent brazen kidnap of innocent citizens around Abia North Senatorial Zone of the State.
It disclosed that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed security agents in the State to bring to justice all those involved in the criminal activities.
The Abia Government, in a press statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu and made available to DAILY POST on Monday night, also frowned seriously at the wanton destruction of cows by yet to be identified individuals whose aim is to exacerbate already existing tensions.
According to the statement, “Government has fully activated all relevant components of the state security architecture to ensure the safety of lives and property of law abiding citizens, residents and visitors to the state.
“We therefore call on the people to go about their legitimate businesses without fear as government is on top of the situation and will spare nothing in protecting Abians”.
Meanwhile, Governor of Ebonyi State and the Chairman, Southeast Governors Forum, Dave Umahi has reiterated the ban on open grazing in the region.
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had at the weekend given the Governors in the region seven days to join their South West counterparts in banning open grazing.
But the Governor, while reacting to Kanu’s ultimatum, disclosed that the Governors did not just stop at banning open grazing but also restricted the movement of cattle by foot a long time ago.