The Delta State Government has banned cattle grazing at night across the state as measures to curtail the alleged destruction of host communities farm crops.
While the state government had also commenced the issuance of identity cards to Hausa/Fulani herdsmen rearing cattle in the various communities in the state, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on security matters, Ogbueshi Cassedy Iloba confirmed that the state government’s decision to place a ban on night grazing by cattle rearers, was a deliberate measure to check crisis arising from herdsmen menace in the state.
Ogbueshi Iloba explained that besides the identity cards government had also ensured its commitment to resolve the problems between the host communities and herdsmen for peaceful co-existence.
According to him, in pursuant to the objective, some of the herdsmen would be selected for inclusion in the vigilante groups to reformed in the various host communities to maintain law and order, adding that some notable Fulani leaders / herdsmen would be made to sign undertakings to ensure security in the areas of operation.
Noting that some community elders/youths were allegedly responsible for the Fulani herdsmen/host communities’ crisis, Ogbueshi Iloba further alleged that these elders/youths have been engaged in collection of money from the herdsmen to allow their cows to enter the farms of residents; adding that evidence had proven the allegation to be true.
“I have evidence against some communities leaders/youths who collect money from herdsmen, some even issued receipts for the money collect” he added.
He urged host communities’ residents to ensure peace even in their areas, and called on them to report any threat to security to government’s officials disclosing that strident efforts since 2013 to check the herdsmen menace, particularly the alleged rape of house wives, kidnapping and wanton destruction of farm lands were not successful.
It would be recalled that activities of the Fulani herdsmen had been horrendous in host communities, especially as they allegedly rape housewives and attack owners of farm lands where they take their cattle for grazing.
Source: Leadership
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