Umahi orders relocation of herdsmen from EBSU campus

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi on Wednesday ordered the relocation of herdsmen from the premises of College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Abakaliki.

Umahi gave the order in Abakaliki, when he received a delegation of the Governing Council of the Federal University, Alike, in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi that paid him a courtesy visit.

Governor Umahi of Ebonyi State

According to him, it was embarrassing to see herdsmen settling within a university environment, stressing that the state government would not tolerate that.

“This is a big embarrassment; I have directed the Secretary to State Government (SSG) to liaise with the Commissioner of Police to relocate everybody residing there within seven days.

“All their animals should also be relocated, as there was no way cattle can stay in the same environment with students.

“I also do not wish the Federal University Alike Ikwo to experience such situation, but as a federal institution, you can handle such situation well,” he said.

The governor noted that the government would not categorically promise the institution when it would construct the one kilometre out of 18 kilometre of the Ikwo road which leads to the institution.

“I have directed the relevant authorities to measure the road so that we will place it side by side with our other needs.

“We would, however, continue constructing our roads on concrete to prevent them from dilapidating from the ‘shoulder’ due to the nature of soil obtained in the state,” he said.
Prof. Michael Omolewu, Chairman of the governing council, who spoke, appealed to the governor to reconstruct the road leading to the school.
“We appeal that you should assist us in reconstructing the road leading to institution from Abakaliki,’’ he pleaded.
He also appealed to the governor to allocate land to the school for construction of a lodge as well as reticulate water within the institution.

“We commend you for your infrastructural strides in the state and pledge to live in peace with our host community, to ensure conducive learning environment for the students and officials,” Omolewu added.
(NAN)