We have land for industries not cow colony, Isoko group tells FG

Maharaj Ji canvasses use of charms on farms

As the controversy over the federal government’s suspension of Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) rages, Isoko Advancement Network (IAN) has said that Isoko region in Delta State could spare its land for industries, not for herders.

The socio-political pressure group vowed to resist moves by the federal government to establish RUGA even on government-acquired lands across the country.

This was contained in a communiqué signed by the chairman, Chief John Odhomor, and secretary, Felix Ofou, at the end of an emergency meeting in Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South.IAN decried the move as brash, lacking good faith and inimical to Nigeria’s unity and security, insisting that though under suspension by the government, it would meet vehement resistance by Isoko nation.

“Although Isoko nation contributes about 28 percent of the oil produced in Nigeria, it cannot boast of viable industries that will absorb the teeming population of graduates and skilled artisans due to obvious marginalization and prebendal politics in the country.

“RUGA is a drive towards stealing land and accentuating Fulani agenda. The federal government has no business pampering a section of Nigeria through orchestrated nepotism,” the group stated.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Ibrahim, popularly known as Sat Guru Maharaj Ji, has advised farmers to seek assistance from herbalists, elders, and traditionalists for some charms that would prevent the invasion of their farms by herders.

In a statement made available to The Guardian, the self-acclaimed ‘Perfect Living Master’ noted that some concoctions prepared with leaves and plants could be spread on farms to scare herdsmen.

The Nigerian spiritual leader noted the palpable fear everywhere, particularly among the ethnic groups who see the herdsmen as the foot soldiers of the Northern political elite. He expressed displeasure over the killing of Southerners in the North while advising the Northerners to respect human rights.

Buhari had promised last April to do all it takes to confront the security challenges and not allow merchants of death and evil to overwhelm the nation.