Herdsmen Menace: Delta State Government Goes Tough On Cattle Rearers

The Delta State Government has reiterated its resolve to ensure that criminal elements masquerading as herdsmen in the State do no maim or kill its citizens wantonly.

This was reechoed in Agbor, headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Security Matters, Chief Cassidy Iloba during the official commissioning of the Cattle Rearers Association Office.

According to the SSA on Security, even though the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows for citizens to ply their trade in any part of the Country, it does not make provision for those conducting their business to resort to wanton harassment, destruction of properties and even killing of bonafide citizens in the State under the guise of grazing.

Chief Cassidy Iloba, Senior Special Assistant on Security to Governor Okowa

Chief Iloba therefore advised aggrieved persons affected by the activities of herdsmen in the State to channel their grievances to the Cattle Rearers Association Office in Agbor or though appropriate Security agencies.

Also in his speech, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Non Indigenes, Mukta appealed to the herdsmen to remain law abiding as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has been proactive in putting machinery in place to ensure the safety of law abiding herdsmen and cattle rearers in the State.

Earlier in his welcome address, the National Chairman of the group, Alhaji Abdulahi Bello Bodejo represented by Umar Kabir Hadejia commended the Okowa led administration over its commitment towards delivering the dividends of democracy irrespective of tribal or religious differences as reported by their people living in the state.

Alhaji Abdulahi Bello Bodejo noted that despite some few reported clashes between herdsmen and farmers resulting to unfortunate deaths, the relationship between herders and sedentary farming communities have been harmonious in Delta.

Goodwill messages which harped on the need for peaceful coexistence between the herdsmen and farmers were delivered by the State Commissioners of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police, Godwin Origho, the Sarikin Fulani Bauchi, Alhaji Dogo, that of Jigawa State, Alhaji Umar Kabir Hady as well as the National Secretary Miyetti Allah Association, Engr, Saleh Alhasan respectively.

The representatives of the various groups commended the SSA on Security for his effective coordination of activities of the herdsmen and expressed optimism that his effort will yield positive impacts in no longer distant time.

They also advised those carrying arms to desist forthwith and leave Delta State while urging genuine herdsmen to report all undesirable elements in their midst to law enforcement agents.