The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has warned any herdsman planning to enter the state with an AK-47 rifle to reconsider or face the consequences.
Umahi stated that his administration would confront any herdsman found with the assault rifle in the state, adding that herdsmen were not wanted in Ebonyi for now.
The governor spoke Tuesday with reporters at the end of the expanded state security council meeting attended by heads of security agencies and council chairmen.
He ordered vigilantes and the Local Government Areas leadership to immediately enforce the ban on open grazing across the state.
He explained that although there were no herdsmen presently in the state, the ban on open grazing should be seriously enforced.
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Addressing the killing of 12 people in Ngbo Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi, the governor said that herdsmen were not responsible.
Umahi disclosed that the attack was perpetrated by people of Agila in Benue State.
“Our problem is not just herdsmen but we’re are killing ourselves. We have sent out messages to Miyetti Allah and we want them to stay out of Ebonyi.
“There is no cow and herdsman in Ebonyi State. Security agencies cannot be everywhere. Security agencies should enforce the ban on open grazing.
“We will confront herdsmen coming to Ebonyi with AK-47; you will be confronted with the same measure they are using to come with to Ebonyi State.
“I have been in touch with Benue State. We still hold the killing of our people on Agila people.
“I’m going to fund fully the activities of vigilante on that axis.”
He urged citizens of the South-East zone especially its leaders to totally condemn the incessant attacks on police facilities among other security threats.
“The attacks are not perpetrated by herdsmen but by criminals and bandits in the zone.
“How would we feel if the Federal Government withdraws policemen from the zone as a result of this development?
“The people claiming to protect us are not doing so and we should avoid creating another monster in the zone,” he said.
Umahi reiterated his call on policemen to protect themselves and their facilities as the situation was becoming worrisome.
“I have directed them to demobilise anyone aiming to attack them and this is contained in the police rule of engagement,” the governor said.
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