From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
About three persons were killed at the weekend along the Benin-Sapele expressway in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State when a motorist rammed into a blockade of Fulani herdsmen.
The herdsmen were said to have blocked the road, allegedly with the intention to engage in crime but the courageous motorists drove into the blockade and knocked down three of the herdsmen.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim confirmed the incident in Asaba during a peace meeting/dialogue with the leadership of herdsmen in the state.
Mr. Ibrahim lamented the activities of some herdsmen in communities in the state, saying that at the last count, no fewer than 75 persons have lost their lives in violent conflicts between herdsmen and their host communities, just as 52 cows have been lost in the process.
The commissioner said it was no longer unfounded the herdsmen bear arms with which they attack citizens of host communities, and have been involved in other crimes including rape, kidnap and armed robbery.
On solving the constant clashes between herdsmen and their host communities, he said child grazing, and night grazing should be discouraged, and that his command would soon commence mop up of light fire arms from the herdsmen.
He disclosed that a bill for the registration of herdsmen and cattle was already before the state House of Assembly to properly coordinate the activities of herdsmen in the communities.
According to him, the police have already identified the various entry points and flash points, and the planned law will facilitate the registration of herdsmen entering the state.
Ibrahim also advocated the setting up of a joint task force to enforce laws on herdsmen and cattle grazing, just as he suggested setting up veterinary stations at the entry points as well as demarcation of cattle routes.
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