The Delta State government has unveiled a new strategy aimed at managing the activities of herdsmen and cattle owners within the state.
This was made known by Chief Jeffrey Azagba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock and Inter-Ethnic Relations, during a meeting with the Delta State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
Azagba explained that the state plans to profile herdsmen as part of efforts to reduce violent clashes with farmers and promote peaceful coexistence.
He noted the growing concern over armed herdsmen causing disturbances in several communities.
According to Azagba, identifying and monitoring herders would help weed out troublemakers and enhance community safety.
He called on MACBAN’s leadership to submit a detailed list of their members, reaffirming Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to eliminating threats to peace and development.
“Delta State is an agrarian state. We must scale up agricultural production without the fear of insecurity.
“Anyone aiding or abetting criminal activities should either relocate or be prepared to face the full weight of the law,” Azagba said.
Responding, MACBAN’s state secretary, Mustapha Suleiman, thanked the government for the initiative.
He pledged the herding community’s support for the state’s peace and security policies.
“We appreciate the government’s approach and will work hand in hand to ensure a peaceful coexistence,” Suleiman said.