Bayelsa warns against violation of anti-grazing law
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has warned that anyone who breaks the state’s Anti-Grazing Law will face serious punishment.
Diri said this is to protect the lives and property of the people.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, spoke on Wednesday at Government House, Yenagoa.
He met with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and community leaders from six areas affected by herdsmen.
He explained that the law was made to prevent violent clashes between herders and farmers, which have caused deaths and destruction in different parts of the country.
Diri condemned recent reports of a woman from the Amarata community in Yenagoa being raped by some herders on her farm and another woman being killed in Ogbia.
He urged traditional rulers and local government chairmen to take control of their areas and enforce the law to maintain peace.
The governor also called on youth leaders, community development committees, and women leaders to be alert and report any security threats to the authorities.
Diri instructed all local government chairmen to form enforcement committees for the Anti-Grazing Law and submit the names of committee members within three days to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
He said, “By Friday, all local government chairmen must submit their anti-grazing committee members to the SSG’s office. We are in a semi-emergency situation and must act fast.
“From now on, traditional rulers must monitor their areas and report to the government. If you fail to report and we find out, you will be invited by the police. Keeping your community safe is your responsibility.”
He reminded everyone that the Anti-Grazing Law was still in place and that, despite his peaceful nature, he would not allow herdsmen to invade Ijaw land.
“No part of Ijaw land has ever been conquered. Our ancestors left us free land, and it is our duty to protect it and pass it on to our children the same way.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Nimibofa Ayawei, stressed the importance of communities working together with the state government to stop open grazing, which is not allowed in the state.
The Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and the Paramount Ruler of Igbogene Community, Prof. Augustine Ekein, advised the government to prevent herders from entering the state by strengthening security at entry points.
They also said reporting herdsmen’s presence was not enough. Strong action must be taken against those who break the law.
The Paramount Ruler of Edepie Community, Chief Shadrach Etidie, shared how his community suffered when the police punished them for trying to stop herders. He urged security agencies to support communities in enforcing the Anti-Grazing Law.
