By Ifeoma Ikem
The Delta state Police Commissioner of Police (CP) Muhammed Ari Ali says the incessant attacks, kidnapping, murder and rape of women by alleged herdsmen on farmers in the State will be a thing of the past.
Ali who gave the assurance over the week during a stakeholder meeting between farmers and herders in the state urged both parties to embrace peace and emulate the culture of living as one Nigeria.
He warned that herdsmen caught with Ak 47 or any rifle anywhere will be arrested and treated like a criminal.
According to police boss, all herders in the state will be registered and have identity cards as a way of identifying any criminally minded herder among them.
“Cattle are important to herders as crops are to farmers, therefore, there is the need for mutual relationship.
” There is also the need for record on the influx of cattles in the state”.
He advised herders not to destroy the farm products because nobody will be happy to see his or her farm products being destroyed.
“I will not tolerate herders with AK47 rifles in the name of cattle rearing adding that herdsmen were not known for going about with dangerous weapons.
“I will use this medium to warn all criminally minded in the state to repent or face the wrath of the law
Also, His Excellency, Governor of Delta State, Dr Arthur Okowa who was represented by Hon .David Tonwe, Director- General on security in Delta state, said that it was necessary for the crucial meeting to discuss issues of security in the state that will bring peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers.
” It is very important for everyone in the state to live in peace and harmony, and set good examples for others to follow.
Suggestions were made by both at the meeting which include: the statistics of cattles that were brought into the state, all herders should have an Identity card, underaged boys will not be allowed to carry activities of herders in the state, night grazing should be banned completely, herders that reside in the state should be differentiated from herders that come from neighboring states and herders were advised to stop taking their cattles to destroy farmers crops.
The meeting had in attendance with prominent personnel, all DPOs, traditional rulers and representatives of herders and also representative of the Delta State Governor.