Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has issued a stern warning to those who violate the state’s Anti-Grazing Law, emphasizing that offenders will face serious consequences.
Speaking at Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, the governor—represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo—reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents.
The meeting, which brought together local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and community leaders from six herdsmen-affected areas, underscored the need for strict enforcement of the law.
Governor Diri stressed that the Anti-Grazing Law was enacted to prevent violent conflicts between herders and farmers, which have led to casualties and property destruction across the country.
Expressing concern over recent reports of violence, he condemned the assault of a woman from the Amarata community in Yenagoa and the murder of another woman in Ogbia, allegedly by herders.
He urged traditional rulers and local government leaders to take charge of their communities and ensure compliance with the law, warning that failure to do so could result in police intervention.
To strengthen enforcement, the governor directed all local government chairmen to establish Anti-Grazing Law enforcement committees and submit the names of committee members to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) within three days.
“We are in a semi-emergency situation and must act fast,” Diri declared. “By Friday, all local government chairmen must submit their anti-grazing committee members to the SSG’s office. Traditional rulers must monitor their areas closely and report incidents immediately. Failure to do so will lead to police action.”
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Reiterating Bayelsa’s historical resilience, Diri stated, “No part of Ijaw land has ever been conquered. Our ancestors left us free land, and it is our duty to protect it and pass it on to our children in the same condition.”
SSG Nimibofa Ayawei emphasized the collective responsibility of communities and the government in curbing open grazing.
The Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, alongside the Paramount Ruler of Igbogene Community, Prof. Augustine Ekein, urged the government to tighten security at state entry points to prevent herders from infiltrating Bayelsa.
They insisted that merely reporting violations was insufficient and called for decisive action against offenders.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Edepie Community, Chief Shadrach Etidie, recounted how his community faced police reprisals for attempting to enforce the law, urging security agencies to support local efforts.
As Bayelsa intensifies its crackdown on illegal grazing, residents and leaders alike await the government’s next steps in ensuring safety and stability across the state.