DELTA CP ALI ALERTS ALL GUN-WIELDING CATTLE HERDERS WILL BE LABELED AS CRIMINALS IN THE STATE; CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ENROLMENT INTO ID SYSTEM
Henceforth, every herder found bearing AK-47 or any form of guns will be criminalized. This is the new directive coming from the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Ari Ali fcia, psc+. He made the stern remarks in a marathon meeting held last Thursday with the crop-producing locals and cattle-rearing settlers. He established that as cattle are important to herders so are crops important to farmers stressing that there was need for mutual respect.
After listening to the complaints and suggestions of both the herders and farmers, the Commissioner of Police made it clear that Delta State Police Command will not tolerate anybody bearing AK-47 rifles in the name of cattle rearing as herdsmen are not known to carry AK-47 rifle. He said these set of people are criminals and must be treated as such.
CP Muhammed Ari Ali, himself a northerner, said that any Fulani herdsman spotted with AK-47 or any rifle whatsoever, would be arrested and treated like a criminal. He said they should not be tolerated because tolerating them means adding to the already tensed security situation in the country.
Addressing all stakeholders, he assured the entire state that criminally-minded herders will never have a free ride under his watch as they will be made to face the wrath of the law.
The CP then advised all stakeholders present that activities of the herders who bear arms must be monitored, checkmated and reported to the Police immediately. He noted that there was need for statistical record on the influx of cattle in the state.
The well-attended meeting had Delta State Governor, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa represented by Hon. David Tonwe, the DG on security in the state, all DPOs, prominent natives, most herders among others. The DG in his speech made it clear that the purpose for the crucial meeting is to discuss issues that will bring about peaceful coexistence between the herders and farmers. He said that it is very important for them to live in peace and set a good example for others to follow.
A statement signed by the Delta State PPRO DSP Bright Edafe noted that all herders would henceforth be registered and bear identification card as a way of identifying criminally-minded herders from peace-loving ones.
Suggestions made by both the herders and farmers present included: documenting the statistic of cows that enters the state, all herders in the state should have an identity card, underage boys should not be allowed to herd cattle, night grazing should be banned completely, herders that live and stay in Delta State should be differentiated from herders that came from neighboring state, and herders advised to stop taking their cows to people’s farm.
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