As part of efforts to address herders and farmers clashes, intra- and inter-state conflicts, the Edo State Government has inaugurated two committees.
DAILY POST reports that the two committees are the Livestock Control and the Boundary Committee.
The committees inaugurated by the State Government on Monday, are made up of 41 members.
The Livestock Control committee, headed by retired General Cecil Esekhaig, has 27 members, while the boundary committee, headed by the Deputy Governor of the State, Dennis Idaho, has 14 members.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Okpebholo said the two critical committees are aimed at tackling pressing issues of security and land disputes in Edo State.
He opined that the newly established Livestock Control Committee and the Boundary Committee underscored his administration’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and development across the State.
He said the Livestock Control Committee is mandated to bring an end to the pervasive clashes between herders and farmers.
“This is a task that we need to handle carefully while carrying out this assignment. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herder clashes here and there.
“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience on the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose”;, he said.
On the boundary committee, he said it was his administration’s decisive move to address persistent boundary disputes affecting communities within Edo State and those bordering neighboring States.
“I am happy to see this moment because communities, especially the ones that share boundaries with us, have issues that border on clear landmarks.
“We have Lagos, we have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of Edo people”;, he added.
In their separate remarks, retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe, chairman of the 27-man livestock control committee, and Hon Dennis Idahosa, chairman of the 14-man boundary committee, commended the governor for finding them worthy to head their various committees.
According to Esekhaigbe, we want to express our appreciation to you, sir, for considering us to take this arduous task.
“The terms of reference are very clear, and it is a reflection of one of your high points when you were coming into power as governor. I know security is one of the pillars of your five-point agenda, and we all know one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.
“We will do our best to make sure that our assignment, which has been given to u, is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these communities clash in farmers’ areas crisis will not be a thing to mention in our dear state”;, he stated.
On his part, Idahosa assured the governor that the committee would strive to carry out its mission, which is to ensure accurate boundary demarcation.
Idahosa listed the objectives of the committee to include promoting peaceful coexistence among communities and fostering development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate.
“We appreciate His Excellency for the confidence reposed in us and with the diverse expertise of these prominent citizens of this committee. I am confident that we will achieve our goal with fairness and equality.
“It is a privilege to contribute our quota as we are proud to serve our State and our nation with utmost dedication and professionalism”;, he added.
