Chairman of Ankpa local government area local government council in Kogi state, Engr. Adamu Muhammed Yahaya, has issued a 48-hour deadline for Fulani herdsmen to vacate Emere community with their cattle.
The decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at the council secretariat of Ankpa local government.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Council Chairman, Idris Mohammed Omale, the stakeholders meeting addressed concerns surrounding the presence of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle in Emere land during the cropping season, with destruction of crops laboured for by the farmers.
Engr. Adamu emphasized the crucial role of agriculture in sustaining the livelihoods of the people in general.
‘I am impressed with the level of peace we have enjoyed in Ankpa. However, we must ensure that our farmers can cultivate their lands without disruption or fear of harm or crop destruction, especially during this farming season. My administration is fully committed to ensuring that farmers and every resident of Ankpa have a secured environment and be going about their daily activities,’ Engr. Adamu stated.
He urged all stakeholders to support his peace initiatives and called upon the Fulani herdsmen to relocate peacefully, since they cannot stay harmoniously as well as providing information about the person that received them in the community.
The Council Chairman who expressed gratitude to God, the security agencies in ensuring that no life is lost, also appreciated the people of Ankpa, particularly the youths, for their patience and tolerance during this period.
Mallam Dantata, leader of the Fulani community in Ankpa, expressed appreciation for the Chairman’s leadership and thanked the people of Ankpa for their hospitality.
The senior Gango of Emere, His Highness Ayuba Jibrin however praised the council chairman for his wisdom and assured him that youths in his community would refrain from harming any cattle or Fulani.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement for Fulani herdsmen to prepare for their relocation from Emere land to pave the way for famers to cultivate their crops in the face of cropping season and give room for the peace yearned for.
The Chairman urged the Fulani cattle herders to remain peaceful wherever they find themselves, appealing to the youths of Emere to remain law-abiding at all times.
