HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MOVES TO TACKLE ESCALATING HERDER-FARMER CLASHES AFTER KILLING OF VIGILANTE MEMBER IN DELTA

The House of Representatives has adopted a motion of urgent public importance presented by Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, the member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, on the recent killing of Mr. Ogonegbu Chukwunomnazu, a vigilante member in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, allegedly by suspected herders. The motion also addressed the rising incidents of herder-farmer clashes in Southern Nigeria, which have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of farmlands, and displacement of residents.

In his motion, Hon. Ezechi emphasized that the herder-farmer crisis, once largely confined to the North-Central region, has now spread to the South, creating widespread insecurity, economic hardship, and food instability. He expressed deep concern over the continued violence despite the passage of the Delta State Livestock, Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill of 2021, citing weak enforcement as a major challenge.

The House, after deliberation, resolved to:

1. Observe a minute of silence in honour of Mr. Ogonegbu Chukwunomnazu and other victims of herder-farmer conflicts across the country.
2. Urge the Federal Government, the Inspector General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police in Delta State to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing in Obiaruku, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served.
3. Call on security agencies to collaborate with the Delta State Government in strengthening the enforcement of the livestock regulation law to prevent further clashes and ensure compliance with livestock movement and settlement rules.
4. Mandate the House Committees on Police Affairs, National Security, and Agriculture to engage with key stakeholders—including security agencies, local authorities, and community leaders—to find lasting solutions to the crisis and report back to the House within four weeks.