ONDO: Any cattle wandering the streets will be arrested, says Akeredolu

GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu has  said any cow seen wandering the streets of Akure will be arrested, stressing that his administration remained committed to enforcing its ban on night/open grazing in the state.

In an interview with Television Continental (TVC) News last night, Akeredolu stated: “We are banning open grazing. If I see a cow I will arrest it. They can’t move in Akure town. We wouldn’t allow it. It is not going to happen. We must put an end to it.”

Akeredolu had in January asked herdsmen residing in forest reserves across the state to vacate them within 7 days.

He said those who are into legitimate businesses should register with the state government to earn their livelihoods in the state.

The governor’s move attracted divergent reactions from various quarters in the country with the presidency even faulting his position, saying as a lawyer he should know better that citizens are permitted to live anywhere in the country.

Akeredolu’s order, which coincided with another eviction notice issued by a popular Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho to herdsmen supposedly terrorising residents in Igangan in Oyo State, prompted urgent meeting between governors and representatives of herdsmen under the auspices of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).