By Oyem Jonathan
In a firm move to address rising insecurity and protect farmlands in Aniocha South Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, has issued a one-month ultimatum to all herders operating within the council to restrain their cattle while in transit and fully comply with the Delta State Anti-Open Grazing Law.
The directive was delivered during a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting held in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South local government area of Delta State which brought together key security heads and community representatives.
Present at the meeting were ACP Daniel Akpan (Area Commander), CSP Okoyomon (DPO, Ogwashi-Uku Division), CSP Ande Joshua (DPO, Nsukwa Division), Mrs. Nkiruka Okeke (Department of State Services), and Mrs. Helen Onyekwere (Divisional Officer, NSCDC).
Also in attendance were farmers, youth leaders, and other critical stakeholders across the local government area.
Presiding over the meeting,the chairman Aniocha South local government,Hon. (Pastor) Jude Chukwunwike expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents of crop destruction, violent attacks on farmer by herder, and threats to the livelihoods of rural dwellers.
Chairman Aniocha South council
He stressed that the council would no longer tolerate actions that threaten peace, food security, and community safety.
“We have tolerated enough. I am giving all herders in Aniocha South just one month to comply with the provisions of the Anti-Open Grazing Law. After this period, security operatives will commence full enforcement without compromise,” the Chairman declared.
He further directed local vigilante groups, security outfits, and all law enforcement agencies in the area to collaborate closely for effective surveillance and enforcement. He warned that defaulters will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The decision was unanimously adopted by stakeholders, who described the move as timely and necessary to restore confidence among farmers and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
A major highlight of the meeting was the documentation and profiling of legitimate cattle rearers within the council area, a move aimed at enhancing monitoring, accountability, and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking on behalf of the Islamic community, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Delta State chapter,Alhaji Nwadu Ibrahim Chiedu pledged their full support for the directive.
He urged herders to embrace peaceful coexistence and modern ranching practices. Youth leaders also backed the chairman’s stance, calling for swift action to avert further escalation of tensions.
The Delta State Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition Law, enacted in 2021, bans the movement of cattle on foot within the state and encourages the development of ranching systems to reduce insecurity and land degradation.
Hon. Pastor Chukwunwike reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and agricultural investments, emphasizing that peace and development cannot coexist with lawlessness.
Dignitaries at the meeting included the council’s Vice Chairman, Ms. Ekwutozam Patricia Adolue Hon Patricia Ekwutozam Adolue ; Council Secretary, Hon. Prince Tony K Ebube ; Mr Austin Akaeze, the Head of Personnel Management (HPM), Supervisors and other LG appointees.
Also present were representatives of Fulani herders led by Garuba Abubakar, Alhaji Mudi Muhammad (Cattle Rearers Association, Obasanjo Farms, Ewulu), and Mr. Ujene Matthew Ossai, a member of the Delta State Livestock Community Management and representative of Delta North in the implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law.
