Ekiti state government has flagged off the registration of herders in the state with the aim of identifying unregistered herders that operate in the state’s forest reserves.

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the peaceful coexistence of herders & farmers in Ekiti state as Government intervenes to ensure not just easy identification of legitimate herders & farmers, but also the creation of a support mechanism system to deploy as at when required for a sustained harmonious community relationship in the rural areas.

The offices of the Special Adviser to the state government on Security, The Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, as well as the Office of Service Transformation & Delivery are the government’s arrow heads in handling the registration of the herdsmen.

The event which took place in the premises of the governor’s office had in attendance the chairmen of all LGAs in the state, traditional rulers, the apex leadership of both Herders/Farmers associations and heads of security agencies in the state, among others.

Speaking at the event, The special adviser to the state governor on security, Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana Rtd maintained that the development was in a bid to create and maintain peace among farmers/herders in the state.

Also speaking, the state commissioner for agriculture and food security, prince Dr Olabode Adetoyi noted that the engagement between the farmers and herders was in a bid to identify genuine herders who are involved in cattle rearing business in ekiti state adding that the capturing will be a continuous exercise.

The director general of the office of service transformation and delivery in ekiti state, prof. Bolaji aluko emphasized that the state is an agricultural state adding that the meeting was to promote peace in the agricultural sector of the state.

Present at the event, the Corp commander, amotekun Corp in ekiti state, brig. Gen Joe komolafe Rtd charged herders in ekiti state to register with the state government while he urged farmers to be confident in the state government with assurance that security agencies are at the borders of the state to avoid breach.

The chairman, ekiti state farmers association, alagbada adebola commended the state government for the development while he also urged the state government to ban open grazing to avoid further clashes between farmers and herders.

The chairman, ekiti state miyetti Allah cattle breeders association, Muhammad nahsam maintained that the association was ready to work with the state government and security agencies in the fight against criminality in the state.

The special assistant to the governor on ebira relation, Sulaiman Nasir urged the state government to set up a committee that will listen to the complaints of farmers in the state.

The stakeholders are committed to the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria.

Insecurity is a national challenge which must be addressed by the cooperation of all, irrespective of tribe and region.