Insecurity: Oghara Kingdom Bans Open Grazing, Warns Cattle Breeders

Oghara Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State has announced an immediate ban on open cattle grazing as part of efforts to address the worsening security situation in the area.

The decision was reached during a strategic security meeting at the palace of the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, HRM Noble Oyibo Eshemitan Orefe III, attended by traditional chiefs, youth leaders, identified cattle breeders, landowners who lease farmlands for grazing, members of the Oghara Study Group, and other stakeholders.

The kingdom also resolved that any identified indigene involved in cattle breeding or leasing farmland for grazing would be held accountable if future incidents of kidnapping or other security breaches are linked to activities in the area.

Speaking at the meeting, the Ovie and other stakeholders said information gathered from victims rescued from kidnappers indicated that criminal activities in the kingdom were linked to the activities of some cattle rearers and herders. They stressed that cattle should be ranched rather than allowed to graze freely, noting that the decision aligns with the Delta State Government’s policy against open grazing.

The monarch expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Oghara, citing several cases of kidnapping, ransom payments and the recent killing of a resident. He said the kingdom could no longer remain passive and would fully enforce the ban to restore peace and protect lives and property.

The meeting also directed youth leaders across the kingdom to ensure strict compliance with the ban and appealed to security agencies and the Ethiope West Local Government Council to support its enforcement.

Convener of the Oghara Study Group, Rev. David Ugolor, commended the resolutions and called for the establishment of a technical committee and the convening of a town hall meeting on the kingdom’s security challenges. He also urged political leaders to support and empower youths involved in community security efforts.

The identified cattle breeders and landowners who lease out farmlands for grazing pledged to discontinue the business, saying they were willing to make the sacrifice in the interest of lasting peace and security in Oghara Kingdom. Other security resolutions were also adopted for implementation to strengthen safety across the kingdom.