By Christopher Oji
Aniocha- South Local Government , Delta State will be setting up a Forest Corps to rid the forests of kidnappers and militant herders.
This is against the backdrop of increasing attacks on farming communities in Aniocha- South communities.
The corps will protect farmers and their crops from wanton destruction, that has been the hallmark of the herders.
Chairman of the council,Jude Chukwunwike revealed the project which he said is inspired by his concern that more farmers are hesitant to resume the process of planting as the new farming season has set in.
The corps, he revealed, would mainly comprise of retired security men from the Police, the Military and the Department of State Security (DSS). They will be joined by local hunters from communities in the LG. According to him, a bill to that effect would be sent to the council’s Legislative Arm for consideration and passage into a by-law.
“Afterwards, requisite personnel will be recruited and trained on the peculiar nature of the task ahead.”
Receiving a delegation of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), he expressed concern over the unchecked activities of cattle herders whose ranks have been infiltrated by militants armed with assault weapons,” We are used to having herders in our communities, but in past few years, a regime of kidnap, killing, rape and destruction of crops have been unleashed on the different communities
“In Aniocha South, our people are primarily farmers and the thought of their being too threatened to continue farming , their main source of livelihood, is unacceptable. I am confident that the Forest Corps will be able to secure the forests and farmlands for our farmers. Our desire is strictly to secure our forests and farms and shield our people from the indiscriminate killings, rape and destruction of crops that has become the lot of our people in the past few years.
“We have cattle herders in our area in the past, but the infiltration of criminal elements has upended the peaceful interaction between our people and the herders. We hope to liaise with the leaders of the herders and with their cooperation, flush out the criminal elements so the safe and peaceful environment Aniocha South has been known for will be restored,” the council boss said.
He said that security should be prioritized above politics as safeguarding lives is a top agenda for his administration.
As the new farming season has started with the onset of the rainy season, Chukwunwike said arrangements have been concluded to provide grants to farmers in the upcoming farming season, aligning with the state governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda in boosting food production.