Herdsmen menace: Abia house orders screening of trucks carrying cattle, onions, others

Amidst growing tension over the atrocities of rampaging herdsmen in parts of the country especially the recent invasion of Nimbo community in Enugu State, the Abia State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed a resolution mandating security agents in the state to subject "all trucks  carrying cows, onions, tomatoes  and the likes into the state from other parts of the country to thorough search".

The search according to the lawmakers is to detect if any ammunition is concealed in the trucks.

This is sequel to a motion of matter of urgent public importance raised by the member representing Bende South State constituency, Hon. Chibuzo Okogbue on the menace of Fulani herdsmen in the recent times.

The House also mandated security agents to monitor and patrol around grazing zones and cattle markets in the state, and  conduct search for weapons and other destructive objects concealed by the herdsmen.

Condemning the unprovoked attack by herdsmen on the hapless Enugu community, the Abia lawmakers called for the immediate prosecution of any herdsman found with dangerous weapons in the state, maintaining that no law in the country empowers herdsmen to bear arms.

The House also, called on communities in the state  to be vigilant, proactive, report and resist the atrocities of herdsmen, while  tasking traditional rulers to sensitize their subjects on the menace of herdsmen.

The lawmakers, also invited the leadership of Hausa/ Fulani communities in the state to an interactive session with them on Wednesday next week, to brainstorm on how to avoid herdsmen- related crisis in the state.

They also enjoined communities to engage Hausa/ Fulani people in their localities in dialogues on how to co- habit.