Hersders in Imo State has been given 24 hours to leave the state, due to alleged destructive activities of straying cows.
A group, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, led by one Goodluck Ibem reportedly relied on an alarm raised by the management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), accusing herdERS of destroying their farmlands and crops.
But the state government has dissociated from the ultimatum.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Chibuike Onyeukwu, the group lacks legitimacy to speak for the state.
Onyeukwu described the report of the ultimatum as an embarrassment to the government and people of the state, urging members of the public to disregard it.
“The attention of the government of Imo State has been drawn to a report on some news media, credited to a group, which identified itself as Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, giving herdsmen in the state 24 hours to quit.
“The group led by one Goodluck Ibem relied on an alarm allegedly raised by the management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, accusing herdsmen of destroying their farm lands and crops, among other concerns.
“The government under the leadership of Governor Emeka Ihedioha hereby dissociates itself and the good people of the state from the said ultimatum,” he said.
According to him, the government is embarrassed by the development and has taken steps to prevent the breakdown of law and order in the state.
“While efforts are being made to ensure that concerns raised by the management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri are addressed, let it be on record that the Governor Ihedioha-led administration shall not tolerate a situation where individuals take the laws into their hands.
“For the avoidance of doubt, citizens of Imo are very peaceful, hospitable and have always enjoyed cordial relationship with neighbours and strangers in the state.”
He added that Imolites were at peace with residents and had no axe to grind with anyone living or doing business in the state, as long as such transactions did not in any way violate the laws of the land or constitute a public nuisance.
“The general public is therefore advised to disregard the report and go about their normal businesses without fear or favour.”
