The Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, at the weekend noted that the challenge posed by Fulani herdsmen is one that is affecting all states of the federation but said his administration would not support the establishment of grazing reserves in the state.
The governor spoke both at the 2nd session of the seventh synod of Ughelli Diocese of the Anglican Communion held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ekete in the Udu area of the state, and during the 25th coronation anniversary of the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, Wilson Oharisi III.
While noting that the menace of Fulani herdsmen was not restricted to Delta state, he said: “Fulani herdsmen menace is a national challenge, it has become something that is affecting all the states in the federation.
“The Federal Government should have a policy direction for us to live in peace with the Fulani herdsmen. I do hope that there will be policy direction to reduce the clashes.
“I want to appeal to our people to continue with the peaceful engagement process while we continue to pressure the Federal Government to have a policy direction on the issue.”
Okowa called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce policies that would curb the menace.
At the synod, the governor disclosed that, “The people of Delta have made it clear that they are not in support of grazing reserves. We are not supporting any grazing reserves in the state.
“Possibly, there would have been much more killings if not for our consultations. We are also aware that most of the kidnappings in the state are being done by the Hausa/Fulanis in collusion with some of our people.”
He tasked the church to relentlessly pray for the state and the nation, assuring that revenue to the state would increase within the next couple of months as Shell was working to fix the Forcados Trunkline which was attacked by militants.
No Grazing Reserves Allowed In Delta – Gov
