Delta Community Warns Herders to Stay Off Farmlands
Elders acted after locals seized a herder found with 43 cows on farmland, demanding compensation and threatening legal action over destroyed crops.
Elders in Idumueno Community, Agbor Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State have warned cattle herders to keep their livestock away from community farmlands.
The warning was issued during a council meeting at Ogwa Aliogor. Elder Donatus Ebie, Onu Odion of Alijematan Quarters, said cattle have repeatedly destroyed crops, posing a threat to farmers’ livelihoods. He noted that fear of violence has also discouraged many women from farming.
The warning followed the arrest of a herder, Mallam Baba Baju from Kano State, who was caught with 43 cows in a farmland. He was apprehended by locals after a chase, while an accomplice escaped with the animals.
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Rather than attack him, residents asked Baju to call the cattle owner to assess the damage and negotiate compensation. The elders said future incidents would lead to legal action.
The community, which includes Aliogor, Alijematan, Alimokwe, and Asogban quarters, said herders must respect their laws.
Speaking on behalf of the Hausa community, Mallam Sani Usman appealed for Baju’s release and promised peaceful resolution and compensation.
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