Igbariam farm inferno: Obiano orders arrest culprits

Thu, Feb 15, 2018 | By publisher


Environment

ANAMBRA State Government has directed security personnel in the state to apprehend anyone suspected to be engaged in setting fire to the farm at Igbariam.

The directive followed Governor Willie Obiano’s visit to Delfarm Songhai Farm, Igbariam that razed by fire attributed to unknown persons.

Obiano, who was at the farm to ascertain the extent of damage done by the inferno, noted that government would properly investigate the incident, to unearth immediate and remote causes of the fire.

It was gathered that the 30 hectares of sorghum farm along with other crops like banana, maize and vegetables were affected by the fire.

In 2017, Delfarm Songhai Farms, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Anambra State Government to supply 10,000 metric tons of sorghum to Intafact Breweries for brewing beer.

While sympathising with the investor over the losses, the governor reassured that his administration would assist within its capacity to re-start production and prevent a future re-occurrence.

“Bush fire is against the state’s environmental laws. We have directed relevant agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone flouting the law,” Obiano said.

Pius Ekwunugo, the managing director of the farm, while describing the incident as `unfortunate’ said it was regrettable that they suffered such fate twice in two years.

“This is in spite of efforts they have made to ensure cordial relationship with host community.’’

Ekwunugo, then, appealed to government to come to their aid and stop to the ugly incident as according to him, such would not attract investments to the community.

– Feb.  15, 2018 @ 13:55 GMT

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