Imo Government Sets July 24 Deadline to End Open Grazing in Owerri

The Imo State Government has issued a strict directive to cattle herders to end all open grazing activities within the Owerri capital territory, setting a deadline of July 24, 2025, for compliance.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Anthony Mgbeahurike, emphasized that the measure is intended to uphold public order and ensure peaceful coexistence among residents.

While reaffirming Governor Hope Uzodinma’s commitment to inclusive governance and ethnic harmony, Mgbeahurike noted that recent incidents of uncontrolled grazing have severely disrupted public life in the state capital—affecting both social interactions and economic activities.

“The government urges all stakeholders to embrace mutual respect as the basis for peaceful coexistence. Herders must protect farmlands and compensate farmers where damages occur,” he said.

He also announced that the state has consistently supported cattle owners, including providing free anthrax vaccinations, and expects that herders reciprocate with compliance and responsible practices.

The commissioner further welcomed Alhaji Shuaibu as the newly appointed leader of the cattle herders in the state, charging him to disseminate the government’s message to all herders under his leadership.

In response, Alhaji Shuaibu expressed regret over past breaches of grazing laws and pledged total compliance with the state’s latest directive.

“We apologize for violating the law before. We assure Governor Uzodinma that we will comply with this new policy. We support his inclusive and peaceful approach and will play our part in ensuring a clean and harmonious Imo State,” he stated.

The grazing ban comes amid rising national discourse on land use, food security, and farmer-herder relations, with Imo becoming the latest state to implement stricter controls on livestock movement within urban areas.