The Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, has introduced a biometric data collection for all herdsmen that would ply their trade in the area in other to curb the recent spate of clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
Richard Kofi, the local government chairman, while inaugurating the committee at Ughelli South secretariat on Saturday, February 10, 2018, said: “The ugly activities of some herdsmen in the area is causing grave danger to lives and properties.
“Herdsmen in the local government would henceforth be issued with identify card after having their biometrics taken for them to embark on their trade.
“The ID card which would be valid within Ughelli South council area alone would be implemented by a 16-man task force committee with membership drawn from the security agencies, traditional rulers, clergies, Muslim community and locals in the area.
“All herdsmen within the council area are to register and have their biometrics taken after which they will be given identity cards that will be valid within the area alone and anyone without the Identity Card will not be allowed to operate within Ughelli South.”
The task before the committee include stemming the tide of herdsmen invasion of communities in the area, promote peaceful co- existence among cattle rearers, farmers and host communities, to provide inclusive participation of various interest groups in conflict management as well as to make appropriate recommendation to government on herdsmen/farmers activities.
In his speech, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owhawha I, enjoined the leader of the cattle rearers to take the meeting very seriously so that both farmers and herdsmen will have respect for each other and work and live harmoniously so that there will be no conflict between the herdsmen and host communities.
