Okpebholo Names Body to Handle Farmers–Herders Clashes in Edo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated two high-level committees to tackle the persistent clashes between farmers and herders in the state.

The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen security and promote peaceful coexistence among communities.

The first of the two bodies, a 27-member Livestock Control Committee, is chaired by retired Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe. It has been tasked with regulating livestock movement across the state, monitoring herdsmen activities, certifying and registering ranches, and ensuring compliance with existing laws.

The committee is also expected to recommend appropriate permit fees for herders and provide security updates to the state government.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the need to implement strict controls on grazing activities to prevent further conflict.

“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee,” he said.

The governor also inaugurated a Boundary Committee, to be headed by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa. This committee is charged with resolving boundary disputes between Edo and neighboring states, including Delta, Kogi, Ondo, and Lagos.

The objective is to prevent tensions and ensure clarity in territorial demarcations that have previously contributed to community-level unrest.

Governor Okpebholo stressed the importance of local collaboration in the committees’ work and pledged his administration’s full support.

He noted that traditional leaders, community heads, and security agencies would be involved to ensure the effectiveness of the initiatives.

The decision to set up the committees comes amid rising insecurity in various parts of the country caused by farmer-herder conflicts.

Neighboring Benue State recently witnessed deadly attacks that left over 100 people dead and many displaced, drawing national outrage and prompting President Bola Tinubu to plan a visit to the affected areas.

Edo State has also experienced isolated cases of violence linked to land disputes and unregulated grazing, prompting urgent action from the state government.

With the formation of the two committees, the government aims to curb further violence, enforce livestock control regulations, and foster peaceful coexistence between herders and farming communities.