The Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mayor Sunny Afurobi, has ordered a tougher enforcement regime against cattle trespass and the destruction of farmlands, as authorities move to prevent further clashes between farmers and herders in the area.
Afurobi gave the directive during a security meeting at his office in Nkwoagu with representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), leaders of Obinolu and Ngodo communities, and heads of security agencies, including Homeland Security and local vigilante groups.
The meeting, which was the third held within two weeks, followed an earlier engagement where herders operating around the Ngodo axis were given a one-week ultimatum to appear personally at the next meeting and address allegations of farmland destruction.
The Mayor said the recurring invasion of farmlands, which constitute a major source of livelihood for residents, could no longer be tolerated, stressing that decisive measures were necessary to restore order, protect livelihoods and sustain peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
He directed the South-East Youth Leader of MACBAN to ensure that members of the association stopped entering people’s farmlands during grazing activities.
He also proposed a joint inspection of the affected farms in Ngodo by community representatives and cattle breeders to establish the extent of the damage and determine appropriate compensation where necessary.
Afurobi further reaffirmed that the ban on open grazing remains in effect in Abia State, urging all herders operating within Umunneochi to comply with existing laws and regulations.
He commended the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security formations in the local government for their responsiveness and proactive efforts in maintaining peace.
The council boss assured the security agencies of his administration’s continued cooperation and support, while urging them to remain committed to protecting lives and property across the local government.
Responding, the South-East Youth Leader of MACBAN, Alhaji Shumo Adamu Jubrin, expressed regret over the alleged destruction of farmlands and apologised for the reported damage suffered by the affected communities.
Jubrin agreed that cattle breeders operating in the Ngodo axis would participate in an on-the-spot assessment of the affected farms to determine the extent of the destruction and explore possible compensation.
He also pledged to caution members of the association against violating the law, stressing the need for herders to conduct their activities in accordance with existing regulations for the benefit of all residents.
The heads of the various security agencies at the meeting separately assured participants that they would enforce the resolutions reached and take necessary steps to safeguard lives and property in Umunneochi.
Under the resolutions reached, any cattle found straying into people’s farmlands or within the immediate vicinity of such farms would be impounded, while accompanying herders would be arrested and taken to Umuahia for necessary action in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
The meeting also resolved that all herders entering Umunneochi for grazing activities must register officially and obtain the required registration tags. Grazing would be restricted to approved areas, including designated roadsides and bushes, in line with applicable regulations.
In addition, a joint team comprising security personnel, MACBAN representatives and community leaders was scheduled to visit the affected farmlands on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to assess the extent of the reported destruction.
The outcome of the assessment would guide consideration of appropriate compensation by the cattle breeders as part of efforts to promote peace and harmonious coexistence in the area.
