Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has come out to urge the Federal Government to support willing states to establish ranches as alternative to open grazing.

He recently revealed this at the third session of the 15th Synod of Asaba Diocese of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, held at St John’s Anglican Church, Okwe, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

According to him, open grazing has led to major conflicts between farmers and herders and this has led to the loss of lives and sacking of communities in parts of the country.

He added that the Federal Government cannot think about putting food on the table when herders are destroying farmlands with their cattle.

His words, “The Federal Government should support the development of ranching because it is in the best interest of the country.”

“I want to thank God for Delta State. We have challenges in almost every state in this country, but I want to thank God for the relative peace in the state.”

“I know we still have farmers-herders clashes in Delta, of which our Southern Governors have come out to make a statement and we are going to follow it through.”

“Thank God our Northern brothers are beginning to realise that the suggestions we made were right and they are for the best interest of this country.”

“We just hope that the Federal Government will put things together that will enable us be able to stop open-grazing.”

“We know open-grazing can’t be stopped in one day, but an action must be started and pursued in such a manner that we are able to truly ensure that the cattle in this country are properly grown in the ranch in such a manner that we would not have the cattle destroying people’s crops.”