The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) and the World Igbo Congress (WIC) issued a joint warning on Friday against the establishment of cattle ranches in Enugu State.
This caution comes after the Enugu State government proposed the creation of a cattle ranch in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area to address open grazing.
However, stakeholders in the LGA opposed the idea, citing the past invasion of Nimbo community by cattle rearers during the tenure of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, resulting in the deaths of approximately fifty locals.
In a letter signed by Dr. Sir Festus Okere, WIC Chairman, and Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID President, the Igbo groups expressed their disapproval of the initiative. They referenced the adverse outcomes of a previous cattle ranch established by former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and cautioned against repeating such mistakes in Enugu State.
The groups, in a letter entitled “Concerns Regarding the Establishment of a Cattle Ranch in Enugu State”, said, “We have become aware of plans to establish a cattle ranch in the state, which has prompted our joint communication. We express our collective disapproval and lack of endorsement for such initiatives within your jurisdiction.
“Drawing on the experience of a similar programme initiated by former
Governor Orji Uzo Kalu of Abia State, which failed to deliver the anticipated economic benefits, we urge caution.
“Recent unsettling reports of over 80 casualties near the Lokpanta cattle market, presumed to be Igbo natives, further underscore our concerns. Cattle ranching, being a private enterprise, does not align with the ethos of Igbo land.”
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