Obiano resolves herders, farmers crisis in Anambra

The Anambra Government says it has resolved the crisis between herdsmen and crop farmers in the Anam community of Anambra West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Our correspondent gathered that some persons were killed and others injured at two farm settlements in Anam, Anambra West LGA of the state following the recent invasion of their farms by suspected herders.

Mr Don Adinuba, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in a statement on Tuesday in Awka, said the crisis was over.

He said that the swift resolution followed the directive by Gov Willie Obiano of the state to the Anambra State Security Council members to bring the crisis to an end immediately.

He added that the security chiefs were directed to find out both the immediate and remote causes of the crisis and proffer suggestion to avert similar crisis in the future.

“Following the directive, the Commissioner of Police, Director of the Department of State Security, Commanders of the Army and Naval formations in the state and the Commandant of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, all intervened swiftly leading to end the problem.

“Meaningful discussions were held with leaders of Anam town and those of the herdsmen.

“It was apparent that the crisis was precipitated by the entry of some herdsmen from a neighbouring state into Anambra without following the protocol guiding the conduct of herdsmen in the state.

“For instance, they entered Anam without informing the local leaders of the herdsmen association who would have registered them as members and informed them of the rules of doing cattle business in Anambra State.

“The consequence was that the new entrants violated the rules in a repugnant manner and caused a breach of the peace,” the commissioner said.

Adinuba used the medium to commiserate with victims and assured them that government would not leave any person or group of persons in doubt about its determination and capacity to bring the culprits to book.