The Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mayor Sunny Afurobi, has reaffirmed his firm opposition to open grazing and the destruction of farmlands, describing such acts as criminal and detrimental to the peace, security, and economic well-being of the people.
Speaking during a security meeting with representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), leaders of Obinolu and Ngodo communities, and heads of security agencies, including Homeland Security and local vigilante groups, in his office at the Council Headquarters Nkwoagu, Mayor Afurobi emphasized the need for decisive measures to address the persistent destruction of farmlands and promote peaceful coexistence in the local government area.
The Mayor explained that the meeting, which was the third in the past two weeks was a follow-up to the previous meeting, during which a one-week ultimatum was issued for herders operating within the Ngodo axis to attend the subsequent engagement themselves.
He stressed that the repeated destruction of farmlands, which serve as major sources of livelihood for the affected communities, could not be allowed to continue, insisting that far reaching decisions must be taken to restore sanity, strengthen security, and guarantee peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in Umunneochi.
The Council Boss directed the South-East Youth Leader of MACBAN to prevail upon its members to desist from entering people’s farmlands during grazing activities.
He also proposed a joint on-the-spot assessment of the affected farmlands in Ngodo by representatives of the community and cattle breeders, to ascertain the extent of the damage and determine appropriate compensation where necessary.
Reaffirming that the ban on open grazing remains in effect in Abia State, Mayor Afurobi commended the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security formations in the local government for their responsiveness and proactive efforts in maintaining peace and security.
He urged the security agencies to sustain their commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring them of his continued partnership and support in ensuring the safety and security of the people of Umunneochi.
Responding, the South-East Youth Leader of MACBAN, Alhaji Shumo Adamu Jubrin, expressed regrets over the destruction of farmlands and apologized for the reported damages suffered by the affected communities.
He agreed that cattle breeders operating within the Ngodo axis would participate in an assessment visit to the affected farms to determine the extent of the damage and explore possible compensation.
Alhaji Jubrin also pledged to caution members of the association to remain law-abiding and conduct their activities in accordance with existing laws and regulations for the benefit of all.
In their remarks, the heads of the various security agencies in the council area, assured that they would do their best to ensure the strict implementation of the resolutions reached, with a view to guaranteeing the security of lives and property across Umunneochi Local Government Area.
The meeting arrived at the following resolutions:
- Arrest of Trespassing Cattle and Herders: Henceforth, any cow or cows found straying into people’s farmlands or in the immediate vicinity of such farms would be impounded, while the accompanying herders would be arrested and taken to Umuahia for necessary action in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
- Registration of Herders: All herders entering any part of Umunneochi for grazing activities would be required to register officially and obtain the necessary registration tags. Grazing activities would be restricted to approved areas, including designated roadsides and bushes, in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Joint Assessment and Compensation: A joint team comprising security personnel, representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, and community leaders would visit the affected farmlands on Thursday 24th September, 2026, to assess the extent of the destruction. Appropriate compensation by the cattle breeders would be considered following the assessment, in the interest of peace and harmonious coexistence.
