Okowa tasks FG to lead in ending herdsmen attacks

Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged the federal government to give direction to states on what should be done to check the menace of criminally-minded herdsmen.

The governor made the call on Monday in Asaba, while presenting 35 pick-up vans to security agencies in the state.

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He condemned the brazen attitude of herdsmen who invade communities and attempt to take- over such communities or taking their cows into people’s farms for grazing, while wielding AK- 47 rifles.

Gov. Okowa said that with a strong statement from the federal government on the herdsmen menace, security agencies would know what to do.

“As it concerns the herdsmen menace, on the part of the federal government, a lot needs to be done; we need strong statements on what should be done for the security agencies to further do their work. 

“If you are going into any particular place, it is only just fair that you don’t walk into a community and seize the place; that is not right and for anybody carrying arms in the name of being a herdsman, it is obviously wrong.

“They are not licensed to carry arms, not to talk of AK -47 assault rifles and anyone seen carrying arms is a criminal.

“Beyond those that carry arms, you don’t walk into a farm and begin to graze on it; that is not the way it should be. So, there are a whole lot of issues and we need a strong voice from the federal authorities which will assist the security agencies.

“In this state, we will continue to do the best that we can. A lot of criminals have been apprehended and one thing that we have said is that we are not giving any land for settlement.

“So, we need to continue to work hard and to liaise with other state governments in the south-south and at the national level to ensure that we are able to achieve a more conducive environment for investments to take place,” the governor declared.

He commended the security agencies in the state, but urged them to continue to do more to find ways to curtail criminally minded, adding that “we are also aware that there are Hausa/Fulanis who have been in Delta for decades, but the criminal elements that are out to maim our people must be apprehended.

Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Asaba, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Jallo, Commissioner of Police in the state, Mohammed Hafiz and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Ademola Adebiyi received the vehicles on behalf of the security agencies.

In a brief remark, the commissioner of police said that “this is a testimony to show that the governor cares for the security of lives in Delta state as these vehicles will boost security in the state and I want to assure you that the vehicles will be fully utilised.”