The Delta State House of Assembly has sounded the alarm regarding the ongoing violation of the state’s anti-grazing law by herders, even three years after its establishment.
In response, the Assembly, under the leadership of Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo and its Legislative Compliance Committee, has initiated a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday at the State Assembly Complex to tackle the issue.
Expressing deep concern, the committee observed that violators of the Anti-Open Grazing Law were operating freely on the streets, prompting a commitment to more stringent enforcement in collaboration with the Executive.
The meeting, attended by state security agencies and the Delta State Livestock Management Committee, shed light on disturbing incidents of killings, maiming, and rape perpetrated by herdsmen against farmers and residents.
Despite the existing law prohibiting open grazing, the Deputy Speaker emphasized the Assembly’s unwavering dedication to achieving full-scale compliance. He decried the persistent crisis caused by the unwholesome activities of certain herdsmen in the state, citing recent farmer killings in Uwheru and Abraka.
Rt. Hon. Akpowowo expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation and underscored the necessity for a resolute stance against herders’ activities. He urged security agencies to apprehend and prosecute offenders without exceptions, stressing the imperative of strict adherence to the law to address the challenges of food shortage.
The Committee, led by the Deputy Speaker, unveiled plans to convene another meeting involving critical stakeholders to devise lasting solutions to the enduring challenges posed by herders in the state. Other members of the committee include Emeka Nwaobi, Dafe Emakpor, Perkins Umukoro, Festus Okoh, Bernard Odior, and Hon Pereotu Oloye.
