Aniocha South Local Government Area in Delta State has issued a strict 30-day ultimatum to all herders operating within the council to comply with the Delta State Anti-Open Grazing Law or face arrest and prosecution.
The Delta State Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition Law, enacted in 2021, prohibits the movement of cattle by foot across the state, promoting ranching systems to reduce farmer-herder conflicts, prevent land degradation, and strengthen food security.
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South LGA, Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, announced the enforcement deadline during a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting held in Ogwashi-Uku. The meeting included top security officials such as ACP Daniel Akpan (Area Commander), CSP Okoyomon (DPO Ogwashi-Uku), CSP Ande Joshua (DPO Nsukwa), Mrs. Nkiruka Okeke (DSS), and Mrs. Helen Onyekwere (NSCDC). Also present were farmers, youth leaders, and community stakeholders from across the council area.
Chukwunwike decried the rising cases of farm destruction, violent clashes between herders and farmers, and threats to rural livelihoods, warning that the council will no longer tolerate any breach of the grazing prohibition law.
“We have tolerated enough. I am giving all herders in Aniocha South just one month to comply with the provisions of the Anti-Open Grazing Law. After this period, security operatives will commence full enforcement without compromise,” he said.
He directed all local vigilante groups, security agencies, and law enforcement operatives to intensify surveillance and ensure full enforcement of the anti-open grazing law. Offenders, he warned, will be arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the documentation and profiling of genuine cattle rearers operating in the area have commenced to differentiate law-abiding herders from illegal operators.
In response, Alhaji Nwadu Ibrahim Chiedu, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (Delta State chapter), pledged full support for the council’s directive and urged herders to adopt peaceful coexistence and modern ranching practices to avoid future conflicts.
