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| Picture of Mazi Chinonso Uba |
Nchekwa Ndi Ogbenye Foundation, a human rights organization based in Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria, has vowed to pursue legal action against the Imo State Government, citing its failure to adequately address the persistent attacks by Fulani herdsmen on local farmers.
Mazi Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonsonkwa, the President and Founder of the organization, made the announcement following a visit to several communities in the Owerri North Local Government Area (LGA) where agricultural produce has been ravaged by herdsmen.
Nonsonkwa asserts that the state government's failure to fully enforce the existing ban on open grazing is directly responsible for the ongoing attacks. He emphasized the detrimental impact of these attacks on the state's food supply, arguing that farmers are increasingly hesitant to cultivate their land due to fear of violence and destruction by the herdsmen.
"These criminal herdsmen rape our women, attack our men, maim, and kill those who dare to challenge them on their farms, yet we have a government that claims to be in charge of the security of lives & properties of Imo residents. Enough is enough," Nonsonkwa declared, expressing his outrage and determination to seek justice for the affected farmers.
The organization plans to approach the court seeking redress and compensation for all farmers whose farms have been destroyed by the actions of the herdsmen. Nonsonkwa emphasized that Nchekwa Ndi Ogbenye Foundation, as a human rights group, is obligated to protect the rights and livelihoods of all residents of Imo State and will not stand idly by while their means of sustenance are destroyed.
The legal action will focus on interpreting the "Prohibition of Cattle Grazing in Restricted Areas, Law of Imo State, 2006," enacted under the administration of His Excellency Chief Achike Udenwa. The existing law clearly defines restricted areas where cattle grazing is prohibited, including:
All Cultivated Lands
All Residential Areas
All Commercial Areas
Nonsonkwa criticized the current administration under Chief Hope Uzodimma for allegedly abandoning the enforcement of this law, to the detriment of Imo farmers. He argued that this lack of enforcement has resulted in significant losses of crops and food production due to the actions of the herdsmen, whom he accused of pursuing an "unholy and ungodly agenda to starve ndi Imo to death with their constant and consistent attack on our farmers."
To assist those affected by the attacks, Nonsonkwa has encouraged farmers whose farms have been damaged or destroyed to come forward and seek compensation. He has provided a contact number for farmers to register their names and villages, allowing the Nchekwa Ndi Ogbenye Foundation to collect information and build a strong case for legal action against the state government. The foundation aims to hold the government accountable for its alleged failure to protect the rights and livelihoods of its citizens and to ensure that affected farmers receive the compensation they deserve.