The Enugu State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday said that it was against any plan to create grazing reserves in any part of the South East.
Speaking during a protest march at the Government House, Enugu, CAN`s Chairman, Rev. Christian Obiefuna, said that such a move would create tension in the country as cattle rearing was a private business.
Obiefuna said that the misbehaviours of suspected herdsmen in the country needed to be addressed in order to maintain the nation`s cohesion and unity.
“The alleged grazing bill before the National Assembly is unacceptable because grazing is a purely private business.
“Let ranches be encouraged in the North because, from the public outcry, grazing reserves will be a source of major problems in the country, “ he said.
The clergy said that CAN condemn, in unequivocal terms, the recent wanton destruction of lives and property in Nimbo community of the state by suspected herdsmen.
“Reports have shown that our people are being killed, raped, and maimed; and property destroyed by suspected herdsmen and the Nimbo incident is the latest, “ he said.
Obiefuna said that the organisation was delighted with the response of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in the face of the series of the aggression, which had threatened the peace of the state.
“Impunity must stop in Enugu State and the South East and we are saying that those behind the killings in the name of cattle rearing must be brought to book.
“Our peaceful protest is to condemn the evil being perpetrated against our people and our faith, “ he said.
Obiefuna said that CAN had watched with regrets some of the policy direction of the current administration at the centre, saying it is inimical to the secularity of the country.
“The Federal Government Education Syllabus which merged all religious studies as a single subject is unacceptable to us.
“The merger has adulterated Christian Religion in content and application.
“We insist that each faith should be allowed to teach their believers according to their doctrine because Nigeria is a secular nation and should be so in all intents, “ Obiefuna said.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi said that he hoped that the latest incidence of the killing of residents of the state by suspected herdsmen would be the last if the state would grow.
Ugwuanyi assured that all those involved in the act would not go unpunished, adding that the world has condemned the killings.
While commending the leadership of the association, he opined that CAN had strengthened the resolve of his administration to give better leadership to residents of the state.
Ugwuanyi said that his administration had put measures in place to secure all communities, especially those at the border to ensure that such an attack did not occur again.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the protesters carried placards with the inscription: ‘We say no to grazing bill; ‘We are living in fear, ‘Who gave herdsmen AK 47?