Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has warned traditional rulers in the state to stop giving land to herdsmen, especially in forest areas, or face serious sanctions. The governor said the move was necessary to protect farmers, boost food production, and maintain peace and security across the state.
Governor Diri gave the warning on Tuesday during the flag-off of the 2025/2026 dry farming season at the state-owned rice farm in Otuasega community, Ogbia Local Government Area. The event marked the beginning of the state’s dry season farming activities, with a focus on rice production.
According to the governor, the warning is in line with Bayelsa State’s anti-grazing law, which prohibits open grazing and the movement of cattle across farmlands. He stressed that the law is still in force and would be fully enforced.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri said herdsmen do not permanently settle on farms but move from place to place with their cattle, often destroying crops in the process. He noted that such actions have affected food production and discouraged many farmers from expanding their farms.
“On the issue of herdsmen, they do not live on our farms. What is correct is that they move and destroy crops,” the governor said. “Let me state again that our anti-grazing law is still in force.”
Governor Diri urged farmers and community members to report cases of crop destruction by herdsmen to security agencies rather than taking the law into their hands or posting complaints on social media.
“Contact any security agency in cases of herdsmen destruction, rather than going to social media,” he advised.
The governor also issued a strong warning to traditional rulers who allocate land to herdsmen in forests and rural areas. According to him, such actions undermine the state’s security efforts and put farmers at risk.
“Let me warn our traditional rulers who give herdsmen land in our forests that anyone caught will be sanctioned,” Diri said. “Bayelsa must be safe, and we must all contribute to its safety.”
Bayelsa State, like many parts of southern Nigeria, has faced growing tension between farmers and herdsmen in recent years. Although the state is not a major cattle-rearing area, farmers have complained of repeated destruction of crops by roaming cattle, especially in farming communities along forest belts.
To address the problem, the Bayelsa State Government enacted an anti-grazing law aimed at stopping open grazing and preventing conflicts between farmers and herders. The law also seeks to protect farmlands and encourage settled and modern livestock practices.
Governor Diri’s latest warning is seen as a renewed effort to enforce the law and send a clear message to community leaders who may be aiding illegal grazing activities.
Beyond security and land issues, the governor also used the occasion to restate his administration’s commitment to agriculture as a key driver of the state’s economy. He directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure a significant increase in the production of locally grown rice, popularly known as “made-in-Bayelsa rice,” by the end of 2026.
According to Diri, increasing rice production will help reduce the state’s dependence on imported food and improve food security. Bayelsa, which is largely known for its oil and gas resources, has in recent years shifted attention to agriculture as a way to create jobs and diversify its economy.
The governor also announced a monthly financial support package of N200 million for farmers across the state. He said the funds would be set aside to help genuine farmers improve their production and expand their activities.
“For our farmers, we will always support you,” Diri said. “Honourable Commissioner, identify the true farmers in the state, and what I was doing for MSMEs will also be done for farmers. So, N200 million monthly will now be set aside to support our farmers.”
The governor explained that the support scheme would be similar to the assistance previously given to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. He said the goal was to ensure that real farmers benefit directly from government support.
Governor Diri also called on civil servants and other residents of the state to take agriculture seriously. He encouraged Bayelsans to engage in farming, whether on a small or large scale, noting that agriculture remains one of the most reliable ways to fight hunger and unemployment.
“We must all be involved in agriculture,” he said. “It is not only for rural dwellers. Civil servants and urban residents can also farm.”
The flag-off of the dry farming season at Otuasega rice farm highlights the state government’s focus on year-round farming. Dry season farming allows farmers to produce crops outside the rainy season, using irrigation and other methods to ensure steady food supply.
Officials of the Ministry of Agriculture said the state-owned rice farm would serve as a model for other farmers, showcasing modern farming techniques and improved seedlings.
Community leaders and farmers at the event welcomed the governor’s announcements, describing them as timely. Some farmers said the warning to traditional rulers and herdsmen would give them confidence to return to their farms without fear of destruction.
However, they also called on the government to ensure proper enforcement of the anti-grazing law and quick response by security agencies to reported cases.
As Bayelsa State prepares for the 2025/2026 farming season, Governor Diri’s message was clear: protecting farmers, enforcing the law, and increasing food production are top priorities.