By JKNewsMedia
FREQUENT CLASHES between herders and farmers in Delta State have prompted a renewed call for enforcement of the 2021 Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing, and Marketing Regulation Law.
Chairmen of the state’s 25 local government councils have been directed to establish task forces to ensure the law is effectively implemented and its violators held accountable.
Speaking at a sensitisation assembly in Agbor for the Ika Federal Constituency, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, emphasised the urgent need for action.
He explained that the law seeks to regulate livestock breeding and trading, protect crops, and safeguard farms and lives.
Ifeajika called for collaboration between the Livestock Management Committee and local government task forces to ensure violators face the consequences of their actions.
A former state legislator, Mr Anthony Elekeokwuri, elaborated on the law’s objectives during a presentation.
He noted that the legislation addresses the root causes of herder-farmer conflicts, aiming to protect agricultural livelihoods and ensure peace.
Elekeokwuri also highlighted the necessity of local task forces to curb illegal livestock rearing and mitigate further destruction of crops and farmlands.
Local leaders expressed strong support for strict enforcement.
Ika North-East Chairman, Mr Monday Odigwe, and Ika South Vice Chairman, Mrs Glory Onyedagbor, assured residents that steps were being taken to uphold the law.
They condemned the criminal activities, including kidnappings and killings, linked to arms-bearing herdsmen and stressed the importance of justice.
The Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Mr. Moses Iduh, lamented the suffering of Ika communities due to herder-related violence.
He urged prompt action to enforce the law and restore security to the region.
Traditional leaders, representatives from Miyetti Allah, youth groups, market women, and other stakeholders pledged their cooperation in implementing the anti-grazing law.
Together, they aim to end the destructive cycle of conflict and bring stability to Delta State’s farming communities.
