ASABA, JANUARY 27, 2017 – A Bill on Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control, initiated by Delta State House of Assembly, has passed through second reading on the floor of the House.
The second reading of the bill, sponsored by the member representing Ughelli South constituency, Mr Rueben Izeze and 23 others, followed conclusion of debates on its merits at plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Monday Igbuya.
The Delta Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control Bill, according to Rueben Izeze, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Business, Rules, Legal and Judicial Matters, is to regulate the activities of herdsmen in the state.
Izeze, while opening debate on the merits of the bill, described the proposed law as important and timely, saying that major parts of the state could be said to be under siege following the uncontrollable activities of some herdsmen.
The lawmaker stated that on daily basis Deltans wake up to receive reports of heinous crimes, including invasion of communities, armed robbery, kidnapping and rape being committed by herdsmen in the guise of grazing their cattle.
He noted that many people had been killed in the process, properties worth millions of naira lost, including destruction of farm lands, lamenting that “farmers in the state no longer go to their farms for fear of being attacked by herdsmen.”
Izeze said right to life was sacrosanct and a fundamental human right, emphasizing that it was the responsibility of government as provided in the constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria to provide security for the people.
He added that the proposed law would help identify the genuine cattle rearers and separate those who move around with sophisticated weapons to carry out criminal activities.
