Lere Olayinka Shares Policies Initiated by Ex-Gov Fayose to Curb Banditry During His Tenure in Ekiti

Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has highlighted a series of measures adopted by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose which he said helped curb banditry and related security challenges during Fayose's administration.

In a statement shared on social media, Olayinka outlined several policies introduced by the former governor, particularly those targeting open grazing and the activities of cattle rearers within the state.

According to Olayinka, one of the key measures was the ban on open grazing across Ekiti State. 

He said the administration also prohibited the movement of cattle through forests, adding that any cattle rearer found operating in forest areas was treated as a criminal suspect.

He further disclosed that Fayose's government restricted the entry of cattle rearers from outside the state during certain hours, barring them from entering Ekiti between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Olayinka noted that community leaders among cattle rearers were also required to account for all herders operating within their areas, a move aimed at improving monitoring and accountability.

Among other measures, he said the administration established an Anti-Open Grazing Marshal to enforce compliance with government directives. 

Cattle found grazing openly were reportedly seized by the government, while owners of cows that destroyed farmlands were compelled to compensate affected farmers.

He added that the government maintained a balanced approach by ensuring that anyone who attacked cattle rearers or their livestock was immediately arrested and prosecuted.

According to Olayinka, the combination of strict enforcement, regulation of cattle movement, and protection of both farmers and herders contributed significantly to maintaining security and reducing criminal activities linked to herding during Fayose's tenure.

The comments come amid renewed national discussions on insecurity, banditry, and the role of anti-open grazing policies in addressing conflicts between farmers and herders across Nigeria.

Fayose served as governor of Ekiti State from 2014 to 2018 and was known for taking a firm stance on issues relating to security, open grazing, and the protection of farmlands within the state.



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