Ethnic group rejects siting of cattle colonies in Esanland

The Esan National Congress (ENC) has rejected the proposal to site cattle colonies or ranches in any of its communities in Edo State.

Chairman of the group and Esogban of Ubiaja, Chief Omochiere Aisagbonhi, made the disclosure in a statement at the weekend. The development was consequent upon observations of alleged deadly activities of herdsmen in the region and other parts of the country.

“The Esan people say No to any efforts for their land or territory to be used for cattle ranching or colony,” he stated, adding that the attendant effects of ranching include daily killing, maiming and kidnapping of farmers and other citizens by supposed pastoralists.

He noted that the Esan people were not ignorant of the towns that have consistently come under attack, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of the people.

Aisagbonhi reiterated that the Esan people were peace-loving and law-abiding citizens and would only be willing to open their communities to anyone or group craving for legislative trade and business that would not be “to the detriment of the original inhabitants and owners of the land.”