Community Leader Uchegbuo Declares No Land Donations for Herders in Abia

James Uchegbuo, the President-General of Ahuwa Oboro ancient kingdom in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, firmly stated that his community will not provide land for cattle rearing.

He emphasized that allocating land for this purpose would jeopardize the safety of both current and future generations, depriving them of vital crop cultivation space.

President Bola Tinubu had suggested that governors allocate land for herders to prevent crop destruction and alleviate hunger during the agricultural mechanisation revolution launch in Minna, Niger State.

Contrary to this, Uchegbuo asserted in an interview with NewsNow in Umuahia that the South East lacks adequate land for agriculture and cannot spare any for herders. He expressed concerns that such actions would only worsen the farmer-herder conflict.

He cited reasons such as alleged land grabbing, violence, and crop destruction as factors influencing their decision not to donate land.

Uchegbuo highlighted that cattle rearing is a private enterprise and allocating their limited farming space to herdsmen could compromise their community’s security and future generations.

Expressing skepticism towards President Tinubu’s remarks, he emphasized the need for the government to support local farmers with agricultural tools and financial assistance for food security.

He also urged the Federal Government to establish more agricultural projects in the South East, arguing that past agricultural policies favored other regions over theirs.