In a strong statement reinforcing the state’s commitment to safeguarding its laws and ensuring the safety of its residents, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has reiterated the enforcement of anti-open grazing regulations. The governor’s comments came as part of a broader discussion on the recent security concerns linked to herders and their cattle entering farmlands, leading to clashes and violence.
Addressing the media, Governor Dirihighlighted that the state has clear and strict laws against open grazing and that no herder is allowed to enter Bayelsa with cattle for grazing purposes. His remarks follow a troubling pattern of incidents where herders have allegedly encroached upon farmlands, leading to violent confrontations and even deaths.
“We have laws governing Bayelsa State, and one of them is the anti-open grazing law,” Governor Diri asserted during the press briefing. “No herder can come into our state with their cattle to practice open grazing. It is not allowed here. We cannot allow such activities that bring harassment, intimidation, or violence to the rightful landowners in our state.”
The governor also reflected on the previous security challenges that the state faced, highlighting that there were instances where herders had clashed with locals, leading to fatalities. He acknowledged that two or three people had been killed during these confrontations, but expressed pride in the state’s swift actions to regain control over the situation. Diri underscored that Bayelsa’s security agencies had successfully intervened to curb these criminal activities and ensure that such incidents did not escalate further.
“I recall the security threat posed by these herders coming into farmlands, and we have instances where two or three people were killed,” Diri recalled. “However, we were able to take control and ensure that the herders did not continue with the destructive practices they were bringing from elsewhere into our state.”
Governor Diri’s statement comes at a time when several states in Nigeria are grappling with the rising challenges of open grazing and the associated security concerns. Herdsmen and farmers often find themselves in violent conflicts over land, water resources, and crop destruction, particularly in the Middle Belt and southern parts of Nigeria. These tensions have led to frequent clashes, with devastating consequences for local communities.
Bayelsa, which is located in the Niger Delta region, has been increasingly proactive in addressing these issues. The state’s anti-open grazing law, enacted to protect its agricultural sector and peaceful coexistence, has been in place for some time. It was crafted to prevent any further escalation of violence between farmers and herders and to promote sustainable land management practices.
Bayelsa’s stand on this issue is part of a growing trend across southern Nigeria, where several states have adopted similar laws to prevent the unchecked movement of cattle across farmlands. The state’s law aims to curtail the destruction of crops by cattle and the insecurity that often accompanies the practice of open grazing, where herders allow their animals to roam freely without control.
For Governor Diri, the success of this law hinges not only on legal enforcement but also on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional leaders, and local communities. During his speech, he praised the efforts of the state’s security forces in maintaining peace and ensuring that the laws are respected.
“I want to thank the security operatives of our state for their dedication to this cause,” the governor said. “I also want to urge them to remain vigilant. We must ensure that our laws are not trampled upon by anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
The governor’s comments are also a call to action for local residents. He urged the people of Bayelsa to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving herders or anyone violating the anti-grazing laws. His administration is committed to making sure that no individual or group undermines the peace and stability of the state.
This firm stance against open grazing has garnered support from various quarters within the state, especially farmers who have long suffered from the consequences of unchecked cattle grazing. Local farmers have expressed relief at the governor’s commitment to enforcing the law, with many praising the move as necessary for the protection of their livelihoods.
However, the issue of open grazing remains a contentious one across Nigeria, with conflicting views on how best to address the situation. While southern states like Bayelsa are prioritizing anti-open grazing laws, some northern states have pushed for the creation of ranches as a solution to the challenges posed by open grazing. The debate continues to spark tension between different regions of the country, with critics accusing the federal government of not doing enough to implement a national policy on the matter.
Despite the challenges, Bayelsa’s administration is resolute in its commitment to creating a safe environment for its residents. The government’s actions align with a broader push for the modernization of agriculture in Nigeria, where the emphasis is shifting towards sustainable farming practices, including regulated livestock farming through ranching and enclosed grazing systems.
For now, the governor’s message is clear: Bayelsa will not tolerate the practices that have fueled insecurity in other parts of the country. With its strong anti-grazing laws and the determination to enforce them, the state is sending a firm message that it will not allow its resources, especially its agricultural land, to be overrun by external forces.
Governor Diri closed his address by reaffirming the importance of law and order in sustaining peace in Bayelsa. “As we continue to grow and develop as a state, we must ensure that our laws are respected, and that every individual in Bayelsa is treated with fairness and justice,” he concluded.
Bayelsa State has drawn a firm line on the issue of open grazing, standing by its anti-open grazing law and committing to further efforts to secure the safety and well-being of its citizens. Governor Diri’s proactive stance in addressing herder-related security threats, coupled with the support of local communities and security forces, reinforces the state’s resolve to maintain peace and ensure the protection of its agricultural interests.
