Delta Assembly Warns Against Reprisal Over Herdsmen Attacks

Following incessant attacks by herdsmen against farmers and farmlands in Delta State, Delta State House of Assembly, (DSHA), has passed a resolution calling on the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori to as a matter of urgency prevail on the state police command and other security agencies to rise up to the task of curtailing the sad development, even as it warned against reprisal attacks.

 The resolution was sequel to a motion brought under matters of urgent public importance, sponsored by the deputy speaker and member representing Ethiope East constituency in the state, Hon Arthur Akpowhowho, during yesterday’s plenary of the House.

 Akpowhowho in the motion at the plenary presided over by the speaker, Hon Emomotimi Guwor, said the call became necessary in order to forestall possible breakdown of law and order in the state.

 The deputy speaker, in the motion, wants the ugly development addressed before it degenerates into serious chaos and to forestall reprisal attacks. He said there was an urgent need for the governor, the state commissioner of police, Mr Wale Abass and other security agencies to act fast.

 Speaking extensively on the motion, Akpowhowho explained that residents in Abraka community and environs in Ethiope East local government now dread accessing their farms following the activities of herders who either rape, harass and or kill the farmers.

 The situation, the deputy speaker maintained, was already impacting negatively on the economic lives of the people, adding that the resultant effect of shortage of farm produce is one of the reasons for the astronomical rise in the prices of agricultural produce in the society.

Akpowhowho stated that the relative peace, law and order in the state is being threatened by the ugly development as the youths in the area are already calling for reprisal.

“The issue of herdsmen harassing, maiming, raping and killing farmers in Delta State is indeed worrisome. Also worrisome is the fact that when people are being denied access to their farms, there is bound to be hunger in the land. Therefore, there is the urgent need for government to pay concerted effort in containing this ugly trend”, Akpowhowho stated.

The motion which is the first motion passed under matters of urgent public importance by the 8th Assembly was unanimously adopted by the House following a voice vote called by the speaker, Hon Emomotimi Guwor.

The speaker who expressed concern over the ugly narrative, said the resolution of the House would be communicated accordingly to the appropriate quarters.