Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Worldwide has called on the Federal Government to adopt the American style of ranching just as it adopted its presidential system of government.

According to Ohanaeze Youths, the adoption of the American pattern of ranching remains the only option that will protect the lives and properties of Nigerians and also bring peace to all parts of the country.

The national leader of the Ohanaeze Youths Worldwide, Damian Okafor, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing Journalists in Abakaliki.

Okafor added that open grazing is a source of insecurity that is ravaging the country as migrants from other countries smuggle arms through grazing routes without being checked thereby dividing Nigeria more than the1967 civil war.

“It is no longer news that many of us are living in pretence over a serious national issue that has kept Nigeria in a state of emergency. Nobody is free in this country again. And any country that is at war with its citizens is on a highway to destruction.

“Open grazing is an old practice of roaming ruminant animals in open fields, plains and bushes in search of pasture or foliage. The system in the last few years has triggered conflicts between host communities and migrant herders, leading to several deaths in many states across the country.

“If Nigeria has adopted the Presidential system of government from America, why can’t it adopt ranching from same America so as to enable us to live in peace? Do you know that open grazing is the source of insecurity that is ravaging the country as migrants from other countries smuggle arms through grazing routes without being checked? Does the Federal Government enjoy the massacre of her citizens after which, they will pay a tribute to the survivors? Do you know that open grazing has divided Nigeria more than the 1967 civil war?” he said.

He then urged the National Assembly members from Igboland to support the governors in banning open grazing.

“The Igbo youths stand by the unanimous decision of the 17 southern governors made known to the general public through a communique on May 11, 2021 resolving to ban open grazing of cattle in their states. We don’t want to lose more innocent lives in Igbo Land. Enough of this carnage.

“Development and population growth has put pressure on available land and increased the prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South. Given this scenario, it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the South (including cattle movement to the South by foot).

“Whoever (be it Senators, rep members, Assembly speakers and others at large) that is subscribing for opening grazing in Igbo Land should know that our 17 southern governors are not stupid to have defended their people through that resolve,” the group said.

(Nigerian Tribune)

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