The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State Chapter, has rejected the proposed bill for grazing reserve in the country, describing it as a “private business” that should not be allowed to see the light of the day.
The association made its stance known at the Government House, Enugu, during a peaceful protest to condemn and register their grievances over the unfortunate incident of killing, maiming, raping and destruction of property of innocent people of the state by suspected herdsmen, especially the recent attack on Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State who received CAN members, led its state chairman, Rt. Reverend Christian Obiefuna, in company with other notable clergymen, urged the Federal Government not to allow the passage of the alleged bill because of the public outcry and its threat to the peace and unity of the country.
The association condemned the incessant menace of the herdsmen against the people of Enugu State and the South-East at large and called on the Federal Government to compensate those who were affected by various herdsmen attacks in the South-East.
They also called on security agencies to ensure that those behind the killings and destruction of property were brought to book for such an impunity to stop in the country.
“Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi condemned the dastardly act by the suspected herdsmen, assuring them that the latest incident in Nimbo would be the last in the state, as the whole world has risen against the killings.
Meanwhile, Governor Ugwuanyi has inaugurated a seven-man judicial commission of inquiry into the killings and destruction of property at Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state by suspected herdsmen.
Inaugurating the commission, headed by Justice Chukwuma Ene JSC, at the Government House, Enugu, Ugwuanyi charged the members to unravel the circumstances surrounding the dastardly act with a view to bringing justice to all concerned, in line with Section 4(1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 24, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004.
In the terms of reference, Ugwuanyi tasked the commission members to, among others, ascertain the remote causes of the bloodbath and destruction of property, investigate and ascertain the number of persons killed, injured and their identities, as well as the extent of security agencies’ involvement in the act.
They are also to ascertain the properties destroyed and their owners and their values and recommend appropriate measures to be taken to forestall future occurrence, among others.
Responding on behalf of other members, the chairman of the commission, Justice Chukwuma Ene JSC (retired) said with the wealth of experience of the members, justice would be done in line with the rule of law.
