We Won't Allow Grazing Area For Herdsmen In Edo, Says Patriots Volunteer League

By Simeon OSAJIE

.        Mr. Mikiste Ewansiha-Thomas 

               Leader/Coordinator

       Patriots Volunteer League (PVL)

The Patriots Volunteer League (PVL) has advised Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to trade with caution with his recent statement promising to create grazing area for herdsmen in Edo state at the palace of the Iyasere of Udo Community, His Royal Highness, Patrick Ekhorutomwen Igbinidu.

In a statement issued and signed by the Leader/Coordinator of the group, Mr. Mikiste Ewansiha-Thomas said, "Governor Godwin Obaseki is clearly on a wrong lane in his concluding reading of the security situation in Edo State as regard to the role criminal bandits of the herdsmen are playing in the low intensity war of decapitation in many parts of the country especially in Edo state.

"The governor at the palace of the Iyasere of Udo Community, His Royal Highness, Patrick Ekhorutomwen Igbinidu refused to accept holistically the role of foreign criminals in the state.

"Yes we have bandits and kidnappers, but what has now added to the tension is the barbaric low intensity war launched by groups that are led by Fulani Jihadist using the presence and route of the cattle rearer in their heinous crime against humanity.

"Governor Obaseki, the earlier you recognize the existence of Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) and their allied acolytes in our area the better for us all,"  the statement cautioned.

The statement also advised Governor Obaseki to remember the ancient story of promiteus.

"You are a student of classic, remember the ancient story of promiteus it will soon unbound.

"It will unbound as you want to do what most states in Nigeria outside the Fulani/Hausa enclaves refuses to do, that is, you want to provide grazing areas for herdsmen in Edo State. Do you think this will stand?

"Grazing area is Ruga by opposite and it is nothing but a surrender ceremony to those who say bullet, misery and death will give them what they want.

"Grazing like fisheries and other associate ventures are businesses and should remain individual or group ventures.

"At any rate, where does Governor Obaseki want to provide for people who have total disrespect and contempt for the way of life, culture and religion of other people including their host in Edo state?

"Not even in the reserve which is created through careful economic and environment planning.

"However, we the people of Edo state are not  in opposition to the solution of the immediate imbroglio, but will not accept the creation of Ruga coloured as grazing area in any design," the statement concluded.