Eid-el-Kabir: Oyo Warns Against Livestock Sales on Major Roads
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The Oyo State Government has warned against selling cows and rams on major roads during the Eid al-Kabir festival.
- The government reiterated its commitment to enforcing the 2019 Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law, assuring that it is not intended to oppress any ethnic group.
- Stakeholders resolved to ensure strict compliance with the law, emphasizing its role in addressing farmer-herder conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The Oyo State Government is taking proactive measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly Eid al-Kabir celebration while reinforcing its commitment to the 2019 Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law. A recent stakeholders' summit in Ibadan underscored the government's stance against the sale of livestock on major roads, designating specific markets for such activities across all local government areas. This directive aims to prevent disruptions and maintain public safety during the festive period.
The implementation of the 2019 Anti Open Rearing and Grazing Law is neither aimed at intimidating nor oppressing a particular ethnic group in the state.
Furthermore, the government sought to allay fears surrounding the implementation of the Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law. Officials clarified that the law's purpose is not to target any particular ethnic group but to establish a legal framework for managing livestock, thereby mitigating farmer-herder conflicts, protecting farmlands, and ensuring economic stability. The emphasis is on promoting peaceful coexistence and respecting the rule of law.
Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law was enacted to address the farmer-herder conflicts, destruction of farmlands, threats to public safety, and disruptions to livelihoods.
The summit highlighted the critical importance of compliance, with stakeholders agreeing to collaborate with the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority to raise awareness. The message from the government and stakeholders is clear: adherence to the law is foundational for peace, security, and development in Oyo State. While enforcement is necessary, it must be balanced with inclusive engagement and a fair process, ensuring that the law delivers its intended benefits for all residents.
Non-compliance undermines the rule of law, and it will not be tolerated. Our approach, therefore, must be balancedโfirm in enforcement, but inclusive in engagement; decisive in action, but fair in process.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.