To address decades of farmers/herders clashes in Delta State, a Joint Committee set up by the State House of Assembly has conducted a public hearing, following the second reading of an Anti-grazing bill on the floor of the hallowed chamber.
Cattle invasion into schools and farmlands across some local government areas of Delta State have not only impacted negatively on the learning environment but has also caused series of farmers/herders clashes; resulting in killings of farmers, destruction of farm produce, and food shortages.
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This informed the public hearing on the State legislative bill seeking to prohibit open grazing of livestock across the State’s 25 local Council areas.
The public hearing on the bill which had passed second reading in the Hallowed Chamber of the Delta State House of Assembly witnessed the State Cattle Dealers Association’s objection and the Farmers’ counter view to the legislative bill proposing five thousand square metres for cattle breeding, trading, and abattoir
On the issue of prosecution of offenders in the proposed bill, the State Ministry of Justice overruled the accommodation of police involvement.
Chairperson of the Joint Committee, Pat Ajudua assured all parties’ inclusiveness in actualising the proposed Anti-grazing law.
This bill, when finally passed by the House and assented to by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is believed to be able to end every crisis caused by open grazing in the State.
(Editor Paul Akhagbemhe)
