Bawiesibai(UWR), March 25, GNA - Members of Bawiesibai Youth and Development Association (BAYADA) in Sissala East District have given Fulani herdsmen who have invaded the area with their cattle and causing massive destruction to the environment and water bodies four days ultimatum to leave.

Warrant Officer Class One Smart Baluo Bayigae (Rtd) Vice President of BAYADA said activities of the herdsmen and their cattle had caused serious destruction to economic trees especially the shea, which had been used for the past years as fodder for their cattle. He mentioned overgrazing of the land, destruction of water bodies and food crops of peasant farmers, raping of women and cattle rustling as some of the inimical activities of the herdsmen.

The people of Bawiesibai are predominately farmers who produce large quantities of maize and yams in the region. WO1 Bayigae gave the ultimatum at the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Association dubbed: Homecoming at Bawiesibai on Monday. It was well attended by citizens from within and outside the area to deliberate on development in the area.

He expressed concern about a dam constructed by Ministry of Food and Agriculture for the youth to undertake dry season farming that had been taken over by the herdsmen for their cattle depriving the youth of income generation activities.

"We do not have any fertile land left for the cultivation of crops, and we cannot move to any place to settle," he added. WO1 Bayigae appealed to chiefs and elders in the area to take good care of the land for the youth, saying the land was a precious asset for future generation.

The Landlord of Bawiesibai, Kinka Bajuon said activities of the herdsmen were causing disunity among the people and could lead to conflict.

He said the herdsmen had defied the customary and traditional beliefs of the people and their continued stay could lead to indiscipline and moral decadence in the area. 25 March 08