Delta Gov. Okowa Rejects Cattle Colony

File Photo: Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has rejected the creation of cattle colonies proposed by the federal government to end the persistent clash between the herdsmen and farmers.

The governor, during a meeting on Tuesday in Asaba with herdsmen, farmers, community leaders, and heads of security agencies in the state gave the reason for the rejection as shortage of land and threat to peace and security.

Okowa said, “The Nigerian Constitution does not allow anyone to graze on someone’s farm. It does not permit you to forcefully take over someone’s house.

“We can co-exist as a people but, as we co-exist, there must be mutual respect for one another. Whoever you are, when you engage in crime, the law must take its course.

“Some of those who are looking after the cows are so young that most times they are not able to take decisions concerning the cows. And as long as they carry arms and ammunition, there are major security issues at stake.”

The governor directed the local government councils in the state to set up an interventionist security committee within the next one week as part of measures to check the herders and farmers clash.

He urged the security agencies not to allow communities to lose confidence in their abilities to check crimes and the crimes perpetrated by marauding herdsmen.

He also enjoined the federal government to set up a definite policy on the crisis, saying the federal government was unable to disarm herdsmen committing the crimes.