The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has stated that he will not cede any part of its land for grazing cattle in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., who said that the government’s position on the matter is clear; and has also not shifted since it insisted that it would not cede its land to herdsmen.
According to him, “Our attention has been drawn to misleading and false media reports claiming that the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has agreed to provide grazing land for herders in the state.
“Our position on the matter of grazing land is clear and has not shifted; which is that there is no free land for grazing in Edo State. Grazing is an economic activity just like poultry as well as piggery; or any other agricultural enterprise. The Edo State Government will not cede any land in the state for grazing.”
“Governor Obaseki has continually warned against the politicizing of security issues,” he also added.
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Ogie noted that some political actors are trying to instigate the type of killings witnessed in some states in the country; just because they are embittered by the heavy loss they suffered in the political space.
He continued: “Thankfully, their plans have failed because of the pre-emptive actions taken by Governor Obaseki and the security agencies.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the current futile efforts by these defeated politicians in the state; to cause mayhem and chaos among our people.
“All peace-loving people of Edo State are enjoined to dedicate this Lenten period to pray for peace at this difficult time in the life of our dear country.”
Meanwhile, a joint search and rescue mission; involving the Police, the military, and other law enforcement agencies is ongoing to safely rescue abducted persons in Niger State.
The Police Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba, announced this in a statement on Thursday, February 18, in Abuja.
1st News had reported that suspected terrorists on Tuesday night, invaded Government Science School, Kagara in Niger; as well as abducted some students.
Mba said the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu, had ordered the deployment of additional tactical; intelligence; as well as investigative assets of the force for the rescue operation.
According to him, four units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) attached to Operation Puff Adder II, one Unit of Police Special Forces; personnel of the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU); and operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau have been deployed.
He said that personnel of the Force Criminal Investigations Department; as well as one Police aerial surveillance helicopter, had also been deployed.
