BY NATIONAL PANEL REPORTERS
Okafor said that, Igbo youth can no longer live in pretence over the state of the Nation, saying open grazing had triggered conflicts in many communities and demanded its complete ban as resolved by the southern governors of the country.
"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 her citizens is on a high way 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.
"The Southern governors have postulated that the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are unable to live their normal lives," Okafor said.
He stated that Igbo youths have therefore, resolved “that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria; noting the 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).”
The youth leader added: "If Nigeria has adopted Presidential system of government from America, why can't adopted Ranching from the same America so as to enable us 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? Do the Federal Government enjoy the massacre of her citizens after which, they will pay a tribute to the survivours? Do you know that open grazing has divided Nigeria more than the 1967 civil war?
"The Igbo Youths stands 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 loose more innocent lives in Igbo Land. Enough of this carnage.
"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. That person should know that he/she is the core enemy of Igbo Land and shall be treated as such.
"Also Igbo Youths condemns in its totality the invasion of Nigeria Defense Academy Afaka Kaduna where two Army Officers were shot dead and another abducted whose body was allegedly found.
"In view of the foregoing, Igbo Youths under the umbrella of Ohaneze Youth Wing world wide call on the Federal Government to commence immediate investigation with a view to exposing the perpetrators and sponsors of these heinous crime against the Nigerian Army and be made to face the wrath of the law to serve as deterrent to others criminal elements.
"It is worrisome that the unchecked roaming of bandits and armed herders precipitated by open grazing has challenged the security architecture of the country adversely; hence, the call for proper investigation into the recent attack on NDA."
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