Disturbed by daily harassments, maiming, raping and killing of farmers in Abraka and environs in Delta State by suspected herdsmen, the state Assembly, yesterday, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently prevail on the State Police Command and other security agencies to curtail the sad development.

The House, in a resolution through a motion brought under matters of urgent public importance by the Deputy Speaker, representing Ethiope East Constituency, Arthur Akpowhowho, said the issue of herdsmen harassing, maiming, raping and killing farmers in the state was worrisome.

He said: “Also worrisome is the fact that when people are denied access to their farms, there is bound to be hunger in the land. Therefore, there is the urgent need for the government to make a concerted effort to contain this ugly trend.” He said that the call became necessary to forestall possible breakdown of law and order in the state.

The Deputy Speaker, in the motion, sought the urgent intervention of the governor, through the office of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Wale Abass, in addressing the ugly development before it degenerates into serious chaos.

Akpowhowho explained that residents in Abraka Community now dread accessing their farms, following activities of herders, who rape, harass and/or kill farmers.

The situation, the Deputy Speaker maintained, was already impacting negatively on the economic life of the people, adding that the resultant effect of shortage of farm produce is one of the reasons for astronomical rise in the prices of agricultural produce in the society.

Akpowhowho stressed that the relative peace, law and order in the state are being threatened by the ugly development, as youths in the area are already calling for reprisal.

He emphasised that to forestall the possible reprisal, there was an urgent need for the governor, the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to act fast.

Contributing, Charles Emetulu, representing Ndokwa West, Spencer Ohwofa (Ughelli North 11), Bridget Anyafulu (Oshimili South) and Matthew Omonde (Ughelli North), said the resolution of the House was in line with constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (The Guardian)

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