Ndokwa, Delta – Special Adviser to Governor on Livestock and Inter-Ethnic Relations, Chief Jeffrey Azagba, has condemned the continuous destruction of crops and properties by the herders in Ogbe-Ole and Ogbe-Ogume communities in Ndokwa West LGA.

Azagba said His Excellency, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, a peace-loving governor, said “Anybody or groups that want to disturb the state will face the full wrath of the law.

He reminded the herders that the ban on open grazing in the state is still in force; the reason is that we want to promote healthy and harmonious living among farmers and herders in the state.

He condemned the incessant harassment and destruction of crops and properties in some parts of the state by some herders.

Farming is the source of livelihood even as the cattle are also the source of livelihood of the herder, he noted

You have subjected our people to abject poverty because the source of their livelihood is what you feed your cattle with; the story here in Ogbe Ogume is that the Youths are sleeping in the bush to secure the farms, which is not supposed to be so.

As much as we want visitors in Delta State, we don’t want criminals in our communities; the law enforcement agencies are ready to deal with anybody or groups that want to engage in unholy activities in the state, no matter your connections or status.

Governor Sheriff is determined to protect the lives and properties of Deltans, including the herders, especially those who operate in the ambit of the law.

Responding, the leader of the Herders in Ogume, Mr Abdul, agreed to leave the areas within 45 days in Ogbe Ole and Ogbe Ogume where the communities said they forbid cows from entry; we have lived with the Ogume people for over 15 years, and we will abide by the decisions of the state government because we want peace too, he stated.

Delta is a peace-loving State, and we will continue to maintain peace at all levels, the Special Adviser emphasized.






(Vanguard)