- The governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa, says he rejected the cattle colony proposal because it poses a threat to security in the state
- The governor states that the federal government has failed to curb the crimes committed by suspected herdsmen across the nation
- He urges security agencies in the state to do their best to retain the people's trust in them for peace and order
Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta state governor, recently kicked against the presidency's cattle colony proposal. Governor Okowa said that his state will not donate any piece of land for the cause.
Okowa, at a meeting on Tuesday, February 6, in Asaba with herdsmen, farmers, community leaders, and heads of security bodies in the state said that the reason for the state government's rejection of the proposal was a perceived threat to peace and security in the state, Premium Times reports.
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Okowa said in a statement at the government house: “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.”
Okowa advised the federal government to develop a precise policy direction on the issue. He said that the federal government, for instance, was unable to curb the activities of herdsmen throughout the nation.
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Okowa ordered the local government councils in the state to set up an 'interventionist' security committee as part of the interim measures to handle the rampant herdsmen-farmers crisis. He urged the police and other security agencies to ensure justice for all and that they should maintain the people's trust in them to tackle crimes committed by suspected herdsmen.
Muhammada Mustapha, the commissioner of police in the state, assured the people that the security of lives and properties are certain.
Other states which have rejected the cattle colonies proposal include Ekiti, Benue and Taraba. However, Katsina, President Muhammadu Buhari's home state, Kano and Adamawa states have allocated lands for the bid.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com reported that a Fulani socio-cultural association, Miyetti Allah, had called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris to investigate and arrest those behind the killing of herdsmen resident in Delta state.
In a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, September 8, the group’s national publicity secretary, Malam Yusuf Musa Ardo, called on the police to ensure that the killing of the herdsmen by their host communities was curbed.
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Source: Naija.ng