– A coalition of Ijaw groups across the Niger Delta region on the platform of Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI has given the Bayelsa state governor, Mr Seriake Dickson, a seven-day ultimatum to revoke 1,200 hectares of land allocated to herdsmen or face shutdown of government
– Angry Ijaw mothers also threaten to occupy Bayelsa from Feb 14 if Dickson fails to revoke land allocated to herdsmen
– Bayelsa government donated had recently allocated 1,200 hectares of land to cattle herdsmen to control indiscriminate grazing in the state
A coalition of Ijaw groups across the Niger Delta region on the platform of Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI, on Wednesday 8th February, gave the Bayelsa state governor, Mr Seriake Dickson, a seven-day ultimatum to revoke the allocation of 1,200 hectares of land the state government allocated to Fulani herdsmen for grazing or face a mass shutdown of all government facilities across the state.
Ijaw youth protesting over invasion of their land by Fulani herdsmen
Vanguard reports that mothers of Ijaw nation, led by Niger Delta activist, Ms AnnKio Briggs, have slated a mass protest in Yenagoa, the state capital, on February 14, to occupy the state until Governor Dickson rescinds his decision.
READ ALSO: How Fulani herdsmen pay ransom to kidnappers – Cattle breeders association
Other Ijaw mothers, who resolved at a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers Ssate, to occupy Bayelsa from February 14 are the leader of Ijaw Women Council, IWC, Rosemary Naingba, aka Aweke-Ere I, national legal adviser, Borno Fetepigi Obhe, national secretary, Mrs. Ebisidor Bribebe, chairman, IWC, Eastern zone, Mrs. Brassba Jack
In a statement by its acting spokesperson, Mr Mayor Ogobiri, IPDI said: “We are giving Governor Dickson seven days ultimatum to revoke Bayelsa land allocated to herdsmen or face mass shut down of all government facilities across the state because we do not want a repeat of the massacre that happened recently at Southern Kaduna in our state.
“We are warning Governor Dickson that the blood of any Bayelsan is worth much more than thousands of cows. He should fight for human rights and not animal rights. “It is unfortunate that Dickson is now carried away by his pursuit for Northern relationship and more political power at the national level come 2019 and he is blind to the activities of the marauding herdsmen, which pose grave danger to peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.
“The act of the Bayelsa state government is treacherous and a clear betrayal of Bayelsans who voted him to power. This is a critical period in our nation. We do not want our women ra*ped and killed, we do not want our children defiled, we do not want our kings to be kidnapped and killed and we do not want AK-47 wielding herdsmen within Bayelsa State.
“We want to unequivocally state that Dickson is inviting terrorists to Bayelsa state by allocating grazing lands to killer- squads under the guise of herdsmen. If we may ask, how many free fishing rivers and farmlands have Northern governors allocated to southerners to carry out fishing and farming businesses in the North?
“Dickson is doing eye service to the Northerners for political alignment. He is exposing the Ijaw of Bayelsa state to unnecessary danger, we now live in fear. We will wage war against Dickson within the confines of the law on his genocidal mission against the future of Ijaw people.”
The Cable had reported that Bayelsa government donated 1,200 hectares of land to cattle herdsmen to control indiscriminate grazing in the state.
In December 2016, the government restricted the activities of herdsmen in the state to the Bayelsa Palm area in Yenagoa, the state capital.
According to the government, the decision was to prevent the invasion of farmlands and check any security breaches.
During an interactive session with stakeholders recently, Shitu Mohammed, state chairman, Cattle ranches management and control committee, said the 1,200 hectares of land was for ranch development, grazing and slaughtering of cattle.
He said more ranches would be donated to the cattle rearers in order to maintain peace and order in the state.
Mohammed commended the Bayelsa government for releasing the land, saying the gesture would help to sustain the lasting peace that had existed between herdsmen and farmers in the state.
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He also noted that the committee was set up by the state government to foster cordial relationship between the cattle rearers, farmers and the people of the state.
“This is simply because the committee in collaboration with the state government and the security agencies had put in place quick response mechanisms,” he said.
He called on the people of the state to appreciate the provision of the ranch as it will create job opportunities and boost tourism in the state.
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