South East States

By Chidi Nkwopara

OWERRI—South East Governors have been advised to take another bold step in seeking a lasting solution to the rampaging herdsmen’s threat, instead of just stopping at passing resolutions and reading communiqués.

The Anglican Bishop of Okigwe South, Rt. Rev. David O. C. Onuoha, gave the advice while reacting to the decision of the South East Governors, not to allow cattle ranching of any kind, in the geo-political zone.

“The decision of South East Governors not to allow cattle ranching of any kind in the geo-political zone, is a welcome development”, the cleric said.

It was also his considered opinion that “given the density of the population and the land space available, ranching in the manner being suggested, would mean creating space for cows at the expense of human existence”.

While affirming that there is a huge market for cow meat in the South East that has sustained the cattle business, he however lamented that some people have sadly come to the point of placing more value on cows than human life.

“The most intriguing aspect of the whole thing is that the merchants of this business that spreads horror and death across the land, do not eat beef. It is certain that mere wish or repeated issuing of statements, no matter how strong they may be, will not produce the desired effect”, Bishop Onuoha said.

Answering a question on what the governors should do, Onuoha said that the most effective solution lies in providing alternatives to cow meat.

“The huge facilities like the Avutu and Ogwe Poultry Farms in Imo and Abia States respectively have been lying waste since the administration of Chief Sam Mbakwe was sacked in 1983. This is a sad commentary on the near lack of commitment of our leaders to the overall interest of the people”, Onuoha said.

He further advised that making deliberate efforts to develop the traditional form of animal husbandry and encouraging huge investment in the same area by both the public and private sectors would yield the desired result.