Residents Flee As Gunmen Shoot Cows Dead In Anambra Over Open Grazing

Unknown gunmen have shot dead some cows grazing in the open in Oba town, Idemili-South Local government Area of Anambra State.

The herders who were tendering the cows and some residents scampered for safety upon hearing the gunshots, eyewitnesses said.

According to an eyewitness, the gunmen killed the cows in enforcing the open grazing ban on herders in the state.

This is despite the fact that the anti-open grazing bill has only passed the first reading at the state house of assembly on September 22.

On May 11, governors of the 17 southern states resolved to ban open grazing and the movement of cattle by foot in order to curb clashes between farmers and herders in the region.

The decision of the governors was announced after a meeting in Asaba, the Delta state capital. The governors said the decision was taken as part of efforts to improve security in the region.

“The forum observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits in the southern part of the country has created a severe security challenge, such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives, including pursuing various productive activities, leading to threats to food supply and general security. Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across southern Nigeria,” Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State governor and the chairman of the forum, had said.

At a follow-up meeting in Lagos, in July, the governors set September 1 as the deadline for the enactment of the law.
Source – Sahara Reporters

Senate Reacts To Chike Akunyili’s Murder, Issues Order To IG Of Police

The Senate on Wednesday observed a minute silence to mourn the death of Dr. Chike Akunyili who was brutally murdered by unknown gunmen at Afor Nkpor in Anambra State on Tuesday.

The upper chamber mourned the deceased who was the husband of the former Director General of NAFDAC and former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, following a point of order raised by Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife (Anambra Central).

Coming under order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules – Personal Explanation, Ekwunife noted with concern that on Tuesday 28th September, 2021, Dr. Chike Akunyili was gunned down in a most gruesome and very horrifying manner at Afor Nkpor, Anambra State.

According to the lawmaker, the late Dr. Chike Akunyili until his death, was the Medical Director of St. Leo Hospital Enugu. She noted that he also was an established academician, medical director and one who had contributed to the development of healthcare in Nigeria.

Narrating the circumstance which led to his death, Ekwunife said, “Dr. Akunyili went to Onitsha to present a paper and receive an award at the memorial lecture put together by civil society organisation in honor of his late wife, Prof. Dora Akunyili and was gruesomely attacked at Nkpor on his way home.

“Aware that lots of gruesome attacked and killings had been going on around the entire South East zone especially Anambra, Enugu and Imo States.”

Consequently, the lawmaker urged the Inspector General of Police and other law enforcement agencies to step up action towards unraveling perpetrators of the gruesome killings in Anambra State and other South East states under the name of unknown gunmen.

Ekwunife also urged State Governors of the South East to sit up to their responsibilities of ensuring safety of life and properties of the citizens as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Source – Politics Nigeria