Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state has declared war on armed herdsmen as he, yesterday, signed into law, a bill to regulate grazing in the state with a warning that any herdsman caught with arms will face charges of terrorism.
According to the new law, any offender arrested and convicted is liable to six months’ imprisonment without any option of fine.
Grazing activities in designated places would take place between 7 am and 6 pm daily in Ekiti State.
Fayose signed the bill into law, with traditional rulers, community leaders and interest groups present.
He said the bill became expedient to prevent a recurrence of an attack by suspected herdsmen on Oke Ako in Ikole Local Government, where two people were killed and scores injured on May 20.
Fayose said: “My government took the bill to the House after what happened in Oke Ako some months ago. The House has passed the bill and I have to assent it. It becomes a law from today that if you do anything to the contrary you will be punished by the law.”
“Any herdsman caught with firearms or any weapon while grazing in Ekiti now will be charged with terrorism. I solicit your support for this government to succeed.”
The provisions of the law was read to the audience by the House of Assembly Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, who said the government will collaborate with local councils to apportion lands for grazing in designated areas.
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