Ogun to Streghten Anti Land Grabbing Law to End Herdsmen/Farmers Clash

As part of efforts to stem herdsmen and farmers clashes, the Ogun State Government is set to strengthen its Prohibition of Forcible Occupation of  Lands and Landed Properties Law, otherwise known as the Anti Land Grabbing Law as well as give more force to its Conflicts Resolution Committee. 
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Taiwo  Adeoluwa, stated this while briefing newsmen at  the end of a Security Council meeting, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Onanuga and attended by heads of security agencies, including  the  Nigeria Army, Department of State Security  (DSS),  Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil  Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service and the Vigilante Service of Ogun State, held  at the Governor’s office in Abeokuta. 
The SSG, who said that the herdsmen/farmers’ issue  has become “real and national”, added that the Prohibition of Forcible Occupation of Lands and  Landed Properties Law, enacted by the State  Government in 2016, has already provided solution to the challenge. 
While reiterating that the state is open to every well  meaning Nigerian and non Nigerians, willing to  either live or do business, he stated that government  would ensure that such individuals obey the laws and  not indulge in any act, capable of breaching the  peace enjoyed in the state. 
“Ogun State is and will  remain a unique Nigeria  state. We are proudly Nigeria and all Nigerians will  be welcome here. But of course, there  are laws and  rules every stakeholder must comply with.  
“The one that is very important is the one known as  the Anti Land Grabbing Law, but the correct title is  Prohibition of Forcible Occupation of Lands and  Landed Properties Law. 
“Council took note that this law already provides for most of the contemporary challenges that confront us today as far as the issues of herdsmen, farmers  and settlers is concerned. And of course, government reaffirms its determination to continue  to fully implement this law.  
“The law already prohibits forcibly entry upon lands.  Council decided this morning that for us in Ogun  State, we welcome everybody from across and even beyond, but we will continue to ensure that our laws  are respected and obeyed. 
“Council also took note of the existing Conflicts  Resolution Committee, which is a standing  committee, that has been put in place, since year 2012, when  the  crisis first arose. Government will  further strengthen this committee to achieve its  goal”,  Adeoluwa said
He disclosed that the old Yewa North Local Government Area is the worst hit by the crisis, adding that traditional rulers and community  leaders have also been directed to  take census and identify herders in their communities, for proper monitoring of their activities. 
The SSG, who noted that the state has recorded  significant success in the area of security of lives  and property of its residents, advised journalists to  be responsible and avoid sensationalism in their reportage of the crisis. 
“We are pleased with majority of our media  practitioners for the way they have helped even  security agencies to do their work, but we urge that  you avoid media hype and sensationalism.  
“As members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, you  have a bigger responsibility to see that there is  peace in the land. When you get your stories or information, you have a responsibility to also analysis and present them in a way that will advance  social order and protection of the public, Adeoluwa  added.