By Austin Ogwuda
DESPITE the boasting from the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Legislative Compliance charged with oversight functions to ensure that the Anti-Open Grazing Law which came into effect since three years ago in the State would be fully implemented, herdsmen have continued to commit havoc in various communities with impunity.
Unfortunately, the Police seem to be helpless or are overwhelmed by the activities of these herdsmen.
Apart from other communities under siege, these five communities in Ukwuani local government area of the State are seriously at the mercy of these rampaging herdsmen with raping, maiming, killing and destroying farmlands going on with less resistance.
The communities are Obiaruku, Obinomba, Ebedei, Umutu, Umuaja among others in Ukwuani Local Government Area.
Worried by the growing threats, members of the Ndokwa Committee for Growth and Development, led by Chief Mrs. Chinyonye Aliyu went to complain to the State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme.
Chief Aliyu also raised concerns about communities in Edo State allegedly encroaching on lands in Ukwuani Local Government Area with the backing of the Edo State government and called for urgent intervention from the Delta State government.
Responding, Onyeme said, “I want to assure you that this administration, led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is ensuring that every nook and cranny of Delta State, Ukwuani inclusive, enjoys peace and prosperity”.
Recall that sometime last month, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo heading the Legislative Compliance Committee expressed deep shock and concern that violators of the Anti-Open Grazing Law are working freely and vowed to confront the issue headlong.
Akpowowo during a stakeholders’ meeting summoned by the Assembly in respect of the matter said, “last year, in my constituency, Abraka, some farmers were killed as they were attacked by herdsmen on their farm.
“Everywhere in Delta State, the story is the same. There is hardly any week without one ugly story or the other relating to the activities of herdsmen in the State.
“This must not continue especially when there is an existing law prohibiting open grazing in the State. The law is made to be obeyed and, it must be obeyed to the latter”, he vowed.
He further noted that until the State and the entire country take firm decision on the the unwholesome activities of herders, the challenge of food shortage would continue unabated.
Akpowowo disclosed that the committee had asked the security agencies in the State to rise up to their task of arresting, apprehending as well as prosecuting offenders of the law, adding that there must not be any scared cow.
The Deputy Speaker said the Committee would convene another meeting as soon as possible with involvement of other critical stakeholders in its efforts in finding lasting solution to the herdsmen challenges in the State.
Other members of the committee include, the House Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, Minority Leader, Dafe Emakpor, Chief Whip, Perkins Umukoro, Deputy Majority Leader, Festus Okoh, Majority Whip, Bernerd Odior and Hon Pereotu Oloye who represents Burutu 11 constituency in the House.