Security agencies in Bayelsa State on Monday apprehended two truckloads of cattle being taken to two local governments in the South-South state.
According to a statement in Yenagoa, the state capital, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the arrest of the cattle and their owners was on the orders of Governor Seriake Dickson.
It stated that both truckloads which were heading to Imiringi and Amassoma in Ogbia and Southern Ijaw local governments respectively have been moved to the designated grazing area at the state-owned Bayelsa Palm where they were properly documented and their biometrics captured.
The Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Dr. Boma Spero-Jack, who confirmed the incident, said the apprehended cattle owners pleaded that they be left off the hook, claiming that they were unaware of the new policy of the state government providing a localized and secure environment for their activities and where they will be monitored.
Spero-Jack further stated that this move was aimed at pre-empting any security breach such as is happening in other parts of the country.
He said the action of the government was part of steps being taken to check the excesses of the Fulani herdsmen, adding that it was sad that some people would rather play politics with a serious matter like this than pay due attention to it.
The former DSS director noted that the solution was not to preach hate and create unnecessary hysteria as those who are against the government’s policy tend to do but to be realistic, stressing that under our laws, it is not possible to restrict movement or guaranteed rights but to be proactive, open minded and be innovative as the government of Bayelsa is doing.
