• Hinges high cost of food on destruction of farms by cattle
Women, under the aegis of Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), have urged states, especially those in the south east, to enact their anti-open grazing laws. They also enjoined those who have already done so to sustainably implement and enforce the provisions of the laws.
IWA, a socio-cultural organisation of Igbo women, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists in Umuahia, Abia State capital.
It expressed concern over the destruction of farmlands by grazing cattle. It said the scenario has reduced harvests and led to high prices of food items.
IWA’s Founder and President, Mrs Nneka Chimezie, who presided over the meeting, said unrestricted open grazing has posed threats to security, deterring farmers from going to farms amid reports of rape and kidnapping.
She expressed optimism that the anti-open grazing laws and their sustained implementation and strict enforcement, would address the challenges. According to her, it will save vulnerable states, farms and farmers from danger, and the nation from imminent famine, food scarcity and higher prices.
According to IWA, people in threatened farming regions like the southeast have started relocating to other parts of the country. It also condemned the May 30 attack and killing of five soldiers at a check point near Aba, Abia State.
The group added: “We totally condemn the killing of the soldiers who were people’s husbands, fathers and relatives. We plead that innocent people and community members are not made victims of what they were not responsible for.”
