The Concerned Stakeholders of Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWMN) on Sunday, February 25, 2018 condemned a statement credited to an aggrieved group within the association faulting the resolve to work with the Lagos State Government and an environmental utility group, Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, to ensure cleaner and healthier environment.
CLI and Visionscape officials placing waste bins at a spot
The aggrieved group, in a statement by its Chairman, Oladipo Egbeyemi, had distanced itself from the agreement to work with the state government to rid the state of filth adorning major streets and highways, describing the resolution as misleading and untrue.
Responding, the concerned stakeholders, in a statement signed on their behalf by Kasumu Afis Olasehinde of Gafista Concepts Limited, said the statement by the aggrieved stakeholders was not only in bad taste but had shown them to care less about the interest of Lagosians.
The stakeholders, comprising of 48 Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators in waste management, said their resolve to work with the state government to ensure the success of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) was borne out of the genuine desire to protect the environment and prevent outbreak of any epidemic in the state, considering the resurgence of refuse in public places.
The statement said, “This kind gesture was warmly received and accepted by the government but, to the surprise of many, a group believed to be aggrieved from AWMN, has come out to disown us for offering a helping hand, you must ask why? Are they angry with progress? Are they people-oriented at all? Is this challenge a thing of pride and ego to them or service to the people?
“We have been rendering unequalled outstanding waste management service to Lagosians for decades and it is the state of things that necessitated our group’s initiative to offer help and also collaborate with Visionscape. The Visionscape group sees us as partners who will learn a lot from each other and they are willing to collaborate with us to make Lagos clean.
“We also state that the wellbeing of Lagosians is utmost in our mind, and as we approach the raining season, we cannot just watch but also intervene to avoid epidemic, which is what the aggrieved group does not care about.
“We can’t afford to let the Cleaner Lagos Initiative fail because, if it does, we will also be considered as failure, hence a need to take responsibility as a people-oriented group to render service whether paid or unpaid; laudable to say the least and quite commendable and any progressive would agree with my group,” Olasehinde said.
While describing change as inevitable, Olasehinde said it was surprising that some people who in the past had benefited from change were working against progressive change, and also attempting to discourage those who were genuinely willing to help government in the best interest of the people.
“Change is inevitable, other aggrieved operators can collaborate to deliver service with Visionscape without making drama out of it. It should be a collective joy to see people of Lagos living in comfort, you don’t wish failure on a vendor because you feel you can do better, and finally, it is unruly to attempt to pour cold water on the bravery and courage of the noble men who tried to swallow hurts and offer help. If we all contribute something, Lagos will work for us all by default,” he said.
While standing by the resolve of the stakeholders to work with government, Olasehinde commended the state government for coming up with the Cleaner Lagos Initiative, saying the policy and the law promulgated to back it up would no doubt proffer a permanent solution to waste management in the state.
He particularly lauded the clear distinction under the CLI between commercial and domestic waste, among other innovations geared to revolutionise waste management in the state.
Besides, Olasehinde said there was no existing agreement between the state government and PSP operators, and wondered why some aggrieved members were working against the state government.
Since formalised global action on forestry development began some 91 years ago, when the first World Forestry Congress was organised by the UN Food and Agriculture Organsiation (FAO) in Rome in 1926, international efforts to address associated problems has been gaining momentum.
Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu
And the launch in December 2012 at the UN Climate Conference or COP 18 in Doha, Qatar, of the global movement to restore 150 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2020, known as the “Bonn Challenge,” catapult international afforestation efforts.
Since that time, various initiatives launched such as the New York Declaration on Forests, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals, are also seeking to address aspects of the associated issues. And one common trend running through all of these recent initiatives is the goal for countries to mitigate and or adapt to climate change.
It is worthy of note that the 23rd UN Climate Change Conference or “COP 23,” which took place in November 2017 in Bonn, Germany, witnessed the initialing of similar initiatives. Of particular interest was the “Joint Framework Action Ghana,” signed between the Government of Ghana and the World Cocoa Foundation, under the auspices of the Cocoa and Forests Initiative.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, signed on behalf of the Government and the Chairman of the World Cocoa Foundation (WFC), Barry Parkin, signed for his organisation.
The Framework underpins a commitment by the Government of Ghana and the World Cocoa Foundation to stop deforestation and restore forest cover through cocoa cultivation. “We, the Government of Ghana – through the Minister of Land & Natural Resources – and undersigned companies, commit to work together to end deforestation and promote forest protection and restoration in the cocoa supply chain in Ghana through this Joint Framework for Action,” says the Joint Framework Action Ghana document.
According to the document, it was developed through a multi-stakeholder process involving government, private sector, farmers and farmers’ organisations, national and international civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders in Ghana and at the global level.
Indeed, one very important personality who has been a backbone to this development is His Royal Highness, Prince Charles of Wales. Among other things, he hosted the High Level Meeting on Cocoa and Forests on March 16th, 2016, during which a Collective Statement of Intent to end deforestation and forest degradation in the cocoa supply chain, with an initial focus on Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, was signed.
Jointly organised by the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) and Prince Charles’ International Sustainability Unit (ISU), was the first of its kind covering the global cocoa supply chain. The partners made various commitments including making significant investments in programmes to improve cocoa productivity for smallholder farmers working in the cocoa supply chain.
The agreement charged the participating companies to present a joint public-private framework of action to address deforestation at COP 23. Thus, the signing of the Framework on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at COP 23 was historic, timely and specific – targeting the cocoa industry of the agricultural sector.
The Framework is structured around three main themes. These are forest protection and restoration, covering conservation and rehabilitation of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Wildlife Resource Reserves, Forest Reserves, and unprotected off-reserve forest lands. The actions identified under this theme include a commitment by the parties to disallow further conversion of any forest land for cocoa production and to stop the production and sourcing of cocoa from National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Wildlife Resource Reserves, except from farms with existing legal status, as of January 1, 2018.
The second theme is sustainable production and farmers’ livelihood, which aims to intensify and diversify production in order to increase farmers’ yields and income as well as to reduce pressure on forests. This theme is being pursued based on the recognition that intensifying sustainable agriculture in environmentally suitable areas and increased farmer income are essential pre-requisites for reducing pressure for agricultural encroachment into forests, and strengthening the resilience of cocoa farming to climate change.
To this end, actions identified include promoting investment in long-term productivity of high quality cocoa in environmentally sustainable manner and growing “more cocoa on less land,” through intensified farming practices, provision of improved planting materials, introduction of yield-enhancing methods and training in good agricultural practices.
Another action is to intensify establishment of shaded cocoa landscapes in line with the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme (GCFRP), to promote Climate Smart Cocoa and sustainable livelihoods and income diversification for cocoa farmers.
Additionally, government is to prepare operational guidelines covering resettlement and livelihood restoration of any affected parties by June 30, 2018, with relevant input from private sector, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, in line with global standards.
The third theme is community engagement and social inclusion. This focuses on engaging civil society and community engagement to establish the required social safeguards to protect farmers and local communities. The actions identified are information sharing, consultation, and informed participation of cocoa farmers and their communities who are affected by proposed land-use changes under the Framework; and to promote community-based management models for forest protection and restoration.
With regards these proposed actions, a cross section of civil society organisations (CSOs), have begun voicing their concerns over the idea of intensified cocoa cultivation. Members of Forest Watch have questioned “in whose interest such a measure will be.” This was at their 2018 Annual General Meeting held from the 7th to the 9th of February, 2018 at Larteh, Akwapem, in the Eastern Region, during which members discussed the issue.
They were of the view that such an action was tilted towards industry’s interest and prices set will favour industry and not farmers. They also felt the need to closely follow the issue of resettlement, as it might involve human rights abuses and implications.
However, officials in the formal forestry sector have hailed the Framework, its action plans and subsequent developments towards implementation, as a positive move.
This is because, studies over the years, have established that of all the factors driving deforestation in Ghana, agriculture is prime with cocoa cultivation being the leading cause of forest conversion in the high forest zone.
One such study titled, “A Rapid Assessment of Forest Degradation in Ghana,” was carried out by the Nature and Development Foundation on behalf of ClientEarth, a group of environmental lawyers.
The findings of this study established the need for a strategic and well-coordinated approach to addressing this delicate driver of deforestation. Cocoa cultivation is lucrative for farmers and one of the leading avenue of revenue generation for the country. The industry is powerfully situated in the national economy and so over the years, due attention was not given to the problem of encroachment into forest reserves to expand cocoa farms.
The Technical Director in-charge of Forestry at the Ministry Lands and Natural Resources, Abu Diwan, noted that the initiative was unique. “Its uniqueness,” he said, “lies in the fact that while the idea of encouraging the cultivation of cocoa under shade is not new in Ghana, the entire package has been given a new twist as it seeks to re-orient the mentality of farmers, who have abandoned the practice in favour of cultivating cocoa in the open…”
Abu Diwan further noted that “the novelty of this initiative can be seen in the coming together of the private sector in both Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, and the recognition that cocoa does deforest and coming together with public institutions, and working with farmers is the way to go.” He added that “the pooling of resources by the private sector, government and development partners to tackle the associated problems is worthy of note.”
It is also interesting to observe the current good will among all the partners to pursue a common course – to address deforestation triggered by the cocoa industry. Since, the signing of the Framework, progress towards fine-tuning and finalizing the actions have been on-going. And sometime this week, a stakeholder consultative meeting will be held to discuss, amend and validate the actions for adoption.
From the Ghana side, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is leading the process working with the Ministries of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI); and Food and Agriculture; COCOBOD; and the Forestry Commission. These government agencies are collaborating with the WCF and IDH to ensure a successful implementation of the initiative.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Friday, February 23, 2018 restated its commitment to safeguarding the Lake Chad and promoting the interests of people who depend on the lake for their livelihood.
Scientists say the Lake Chad, that borders Nigeria and some other countries, has shrunken by 95 percent over the past 50 years. They have also linked the Boko Haram insurgency to the lake’s situation. Photo credit: AP/Christophe Ena
UNESCO made the pledge in a statement signed by its Communication and Information Sector Advisor, Yachat Nuhu, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
The organisation noted that at the upcoming international conference on Lake Chad, the project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) would also seek out ways for all stakeholders and member-states to promote the survival of the lake.
According to UNESCO, the Lake Chad Basin is an important source of fresh water on which more than 40 million people in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Niger and Nigeria depend.
The UN agency noted that rainfalls had declined over the past 50 years and the surface area of the lake had shrunk by more than 90 per cent, thereby affecting the region’s ecosystems and economy.
UNESCO said that it would be implementing the BIOPALT project, which focused on research, rehabilitation of wetlands and wildlife corridors as well as promotion of sustainable income generating activities for the region.
“Funded by the African Development Bank for a period of three years, the project aims to take stock of Lake Chad’s water and other natural resources alongside socio-economic and cultural factors.
“It also aims to reinforce local capacities in natural and cultural heritage preservation and undertake pilot activities for the rehabilitation of some ecosystems and the promotion of a green economy.
“In close consultation with local populations, BIOPALT will contribute, for example, to the rehabilitation of wildlife migration corridors between Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria, notably for elephants, while preserving oases and preventing the drying up of water supplies by restoring ponds.
“It will also focus on income generating activities such as the production of spirulina, an algae traditionally harvested by women, and support efforts to preserve Lake Chad’s iconic Kuri cattle, an endangered species.
The Lake Chad Basin Commission was established in 1964 to ensure the sustainable and equitable management of Lake Chad and the preservation of ecosystems in its basin.
Its members are Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Libya and Niger. The commission is funded by its member states.
President, Association of Tourists Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria, Mr Ganiyu Tarzan, has warned residents of Lagos State against dumping refuse on waterways to avoid boat mishaps.
Plastic wastes on waterways pose a treat to small boats
Tarzan gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, February 25, 2018 in Lagos.
He said that dumping refuse on the waterways coud lead to boat mishaps, as it obstructs the movement of boats.
“Refuse deface the waterways, it causes accident and also damage boat engines.
“Once there is too much dirt in a particular portion on the water, it hardens the place and once a boat runs into it by mistake, such boat will capsize,’’ he said.
Tarzan, however, applauded the Lagos State Government Cleaner Initiative for removing the refuse, hyacinth and wrecks on the waterways.
“The government has improved towards their responsibility in ensuring a smooth and easy flow/movement of boat on the waterways.
“The surface of waterways across the state is looking good, neat and tidy now while some areas are still looking dirty but not as it used to be in the past.
“We have no records of any boat mishap in the last few months now, kudos to the Lagos State Government and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
“NIWA buys harvester machine worth millions of naira that will be picking dirt, wrecks and water hyacinth on the waterways.
“Once they are informed of a particular dirty environment either cause by wrecks or refuse on the waterways, they deploy their team to clean the particular environment,’’ he said.
In an apparent move to reinvent itself, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) is appointing a twin leadership bringing together natural sciences and social sciences stronger than ever.
In late September, the German climate economist, Ottmar Edenhofer, and the Swedish Earth system scientist, Johan Rockström, will become directors of the internationally renowned institute, which is a member of the Leibniz Association. This was decided on Friday, February 23, 2018 by the institute’s Board of Trustees, headed by the Brandenburg Ministry of Science, Research and Culture and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Ottmar EdenhoferJohan Rockström
The retirement of the founding director, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, this autumn after a quarter of a century as the head of the institute marks the beginning of a new era in Potsdam.
“I am delighted that we could win over Ottmar Edenhofer and Johan Rockström, two internationally highly recognised researchers, to become the new Co-Directors of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. This allowed us to bring the process of determining a successor for the long-standing Director Hans Joachim Schellnhuber to an excellent end. Today’s decision by the Board of Trustees brings reliability for planning PIK’s future,” said the Chair of the Board, Carsten Feller from Brandenburg’s Ministry for Science, Research, and Culture.
Global Commons and Planetary Boundaries
The twin leadership of the more than 300 employees of PIK prepares the institute for the next level of interdisciplinary achievements in climate impact research for global sustainability, and reflects the research strategy of the two new directors, who will lead the institute on an equal footing.
“In an unprecedented way, we are bringing together two complementary approaches: The concept of the Planetary Boundaries with the concept of Global Commons,” says Ottmar Edenhofer. “We thereby combine risk research and solutions research, from the local to the global scale.”
Johan Rockström adds: “World development now depends on safeguarding the stability of the entire Earth system, and a safe operating space for humanity on Earth can only be met if the atmosphere, oceans and forests are managed sustainably as a common asset for all people on our planet. Fundamentally, global environmental risks translate into climate impacts, and climate stability depends on reconnecting human societies with the Earth system. PIK is in a unique position as a world leading interdisciplinary climate impact and global sustainability science institute to address this challenge.”
The climate physics and energy economic computer simulations at PIK are to be increasingly supplemented in the coming years by the use of artificial intelligence to analyse complex dynamic processes as well as big data as can be found in satellite observations and ice drilling cores, but also in financial markets and social media such as Facebook.
“Schellnhuber as pioneer, for Potsdam and the planet”
“For all our enthusiasm for the new challenges, we are deeply and permanently indebted to a pioneer of earth system research – Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, who has done phenomenally groundbreaking work, for Potsdam and for the planet,” said Rockström and Edenhofer. “He is not only a world-renowned top scientist, but more than that: a great thinker; and a man who cares deeply about the fate of those who will suffer most from climate change. We are very glad that we can continue to count on his support in the future.“
Schellnhuber himself expressed his satisfaction with the decision of the Board of Trustees. “I am very glad that we can assure a world-class successorship with these two brilliant scientists and outstanding leaders. By establishing this twin directorate of social and natural sciences, PIK will once again prove to be a pioneer in the international research system. The complex problems of the modern world require innovative management structures, and this is what we’re creating.”
“PIK on the international top level”
Rockström, 52, is currently Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) at Stockholm University in Sweden. Before he started doing research on the planetary scale, he worked for many years on water scarcity and resilience in tropical countries. He will be maintaining a close link to the Stockholm Resilience Centre, strengthening the scientific collaboration between SRC and PIK.
Edenhofer, 56, is currently Chief Economist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. He will remain Director of the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC), founded by Mercator Foundation and PIK.
“The MCC is a pioneer in research on global commons. Through intensive cooperation with the MCC, PIK can strengthen its expertise in the social sciences without losing its core competence in the natural sciences,” says Edenhofer. In the coming years, PIK and MCC intend to intensify their cooperation, especially in the further development of scientific policy advice, which complements basic research.
“The foresight and vision of Hans Joachim Schellnhuber more than 25 years ago to build up an institute to explore the effects of climate change, and to make it reach the international top level, deserves our greatest thanks and deepest respect,” says Matthias Kleiner, President of the Leibniz Association. “Because today, climate change and its impacts are one of the biggest challenges for humanity. Climate Impacts Research relies on the cooperation of many different scientific disciplines. This is a core characteristic of Leibniz institutes, and it is incorporated by the new joint co-leadership of PIK with the economist Ottmar Edenhofer and the environmental systems scientist Johan Rockström. I am convinced that PIK under the new leadership will continue to excellently fulfill its mission of not just doing research on climate change, but based on scientific findings give advice to policy makers and society. For the better of us all.”
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has appointed Mr Javier Manzanares as its first Deputy Executive Director. Mr Manzanares has been interim Deputy Executive Director since 2017. He previously served as interim Executive Director during the second half of 2016.
Javier Manzanares, Deputy Executive Director of the GCF
Announcing the appointment, Howard Bamsey, GCF Executive Director, stated, “I am delighted that Javier has been selected to fill the Deputy Executive Director position in which he has been serving on an interim basis. I look forward to working with him to continue the task of improving our operational performance.”
Manzanares said, “It is a great honour to be appointed to this position, and to have the opportunity to strengthen GCF’s contribution to global efforts on climate change. Across all of our activities, from readiness funding to support country ownership, through to implementing our portfolio of impactful projects and programmes, GCF needs to be efficient and effective so we can deliver on our mandate.”
Prior to his appointment at GCF, Manzanares was Director and Representative of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in the MERCOSUR region (comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), based in Argentina. He was formerly Division Manager of Investment and Development Banking at the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. Manzanares also worked as the Executive VP for two privately held banks of Grupo Fierro. His career in banking and finance began with Banco Santander/BSCH in the United States, Hong Kong and Japan.
Javier holds a dual MBA from Northwestern University / Kellogg (USA), an EMBA from Hong Kong University of Sciences & Technology (China), and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at INHA University in South Korea.
The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) says it has intensified the pruning of overgrown trees across the state in preparation for the rainy season.
General Manager of LASPARK, Mrs Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola
The General Manager of LASPARK, Mrs Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, said on Saturday, February 24, 2018 in Lagos that the move was to avert windstorm disaster associated with the rainy season.
Adebiyi-Abiola said that the agency had so far pruned over 500 trees in different locations across the state.
She called on residents to notify the agency of any overgrown tree within their communities.
According to her, some of the trees, apart from their tendency to wreak havoc during windstorm, are already competing with electric cables and poles.
”Calling the attention of the agency to overgrown trees in different parts of the state will help to prevent loss of lives and property.
”I am, therefore, seeking your support to report to the agency any of these trees that can affect, not only you, but other members of the society.
”This is because it is not possible for the representatives of the agency to be everywhere at all times to assess urgent issues related to these trees.
”This is what is required of you as a responsible citizen and this is what I am encouraging you to do,” she said.
Adebiyi-Abiola also urged residents to desist from cutting down trees without permission from the state government.
She said that the zero-tolerance stance to tree cutting and pruning without clearance from LASPARK still persisted.
The general manager reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enforcing all Environmental and Greening Laws.
“This is to curb the menace of indiscriminate tree pruning and felling in all nooks and crannies of the state,’’ she said.
Makurdi, the Benue State capital city, on Friday, February 23 recorded its first rainfall in 2018.
Flooding in Makurdi. Photo credit: Sahara Reporters
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) records that that the rain, which was preceded by a mild breeze, started at about 10 pm and lasted till 1 am on Saturday.
NAN reports that the rain arrived much earlier than last year when it came in March.
NAN also reports that apart from 2014 which experienced early showers, the rain always set in around March.
NAN reports that the heatwave that had tormented Makurdi residents has eased for a more humid weather with farmers warming for an early commencement of the cropping season.
The Conservator-General, Nigeria National Parks Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Goni, on Friday, February 23, 2018 warned parks security officers now carrying arms and weapons against cases of accidental discharge.
Conservator-General, Nigeria National Parks Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Goni, inspecting a guard during the passing out parade of 40 Park Rangers at the Civil Defence Corps Training School, Abuja
Goni gave the charge in Abuja at the passing out parade of the pioneer set of the National Parks Services Trainees on “Arms and Weapons Handling”.
He said the training being carried out by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was aimed at equipping officers and men of the service with requisite skills and techniques to discharge their duties efficiently.
“You should strictly use the lessons of this training for the interest of the nation, be civil in your conduct and always operate within your rules of engagements.
‘‘There should be no cases of accidental discharge and do not use your training to harass or intimidate innocent Nigerians,’’ he warned.
He said the task of park protection and conservation was not an easy on as officers have to trek long distances on rugged terrains and in harsh weather conditions.
‘‘In discharging our field duties, we face open confrontations by poachers of wild animals, loggers of timber, miners of mineral resources and cattle herders, which in most cases result in casualties.
‘‘Therefore, it has become imperative to equip officers and men with the right training to protect national infrastructure in the national parks with minimal or no casualties.’’
The conservator-general said the service was in ‘‘collaboration with the NSCDC.’’
He commended the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Mr Abdullahi Muhammadu, and his men for the opportunity to equip men of the service.
‘‘The result of this training is a testimony that the NSCDC has one of the best facilities and instructors for training of this nature in the country.’’
In his remarks, Muhammadu said the occasion was to celebrate excellence, professionalism and coming of age of the corps.
‘‘This passing out parade was indeed a most heart-warming to note that we are not only capable of training our own but capable of training others.
‘‘I congratulate your officers for being receptive to knowledge and for successfully undergoing both academic and the very vigorous arms and combat training.
‘‘Eschew any behaviour that could tarnish your integrity, image of your organisation and the nation at large,’’ he said.
Highlights of the occasion were the review of the parade by the two commandant-generals and presentation of certificates to two outstanding trainees.
They are Ogundayo Kazeem (API) and Dauda Waliu (ACPI) for best marksmanship award.
A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court on Friday, February 23, 2018 sentenced three herders – Iliya Garba, Hassan Abdullahi and Lanshak Lonfalk – to a year imprison each for violating the Benue State Anti-Open Grazing Law, 2017.
Herdsmen grazing their cattle
The convicts were charged with criminal conspiracy and open nomadic livestock rearing and grazing.
The offences are punishable under Sections 97 of the Penal Code and 19 (2) of the Open Grazing Prohibition Ranches Establishment Law of Benue, 2017.
The prosecutor, Insp. Michael Iorundu, told the court that the joint patrol team of “Operation Zenda”, led by Sgt. Edward Shinyi, arrested the herders on Feb. 18, 2018.
He said that they were brought to the State Criminal and Investigation Department in Makurdi, the state capital.
“The team reported that the three herders, and others now at large, were openly grazing their cattle along Yeluwata Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue.
“When the case came up for mention, the herders pleaded guilty to the charge against them, saying that they were not aware that open grazing had been prohibited in Benue,’’ he said.
The Magistrate, Mrs Lillian Tsumba, said that the herders were first offenders who were also illiterates and not even aware that open grazing has been prohibited in Benue.
Tsumba said that a law such as open grazing prohibition required massive exposure and education of persons at the grassroots.
She, however, said law is law and must be obeyed in spite of ignorance.
The magistrate sentenced the herders to a year imprison each, with N500,000 option of fine each.
