The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the peace and stability currently enjoyed across the state, assuring residents that no conflict or dispute will be allowed to jeopardize ongoing development efforts.
This assurance came from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock and Ethnic Matters, Chief Jeffrey Azagba, after separate mediation meetings involving leaders of Aradhe Community in Isoko North Local Government Area, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, and representatives of Umuseti Utagba-Ogbe, Obodougwa, and Emu-Ebendo communities over lingering tensions.
Chief Azagba emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration remains determined to prevent any disruption to the “massive development strides” currently underway in Delta State. He urged all parties to embrace dialogue as the most effective path to resolving grievances.
According to him, the Office of Livestock and Ethnic Matters—created by Governor Oborevwori—was specifically established to address issues related to farmers–herders interactions and to resolve disputes before they escalate into security threats.
Warnings Against Encroachment and Use of Underage Herders
Addressing the concerns raised by members of Miyetti Allah over the alleged killing of seven cows by Aradhe Community, Chief Azagba said Investigations revealed that the community did not perpetrate the act.
He however cautioned Miyetti Allah members to be law-abiding at all times.
He stressed that Delta State is predominantly agrarian, and destroying farmlands—many of which serve as the primary means of livelihood for families—would not be tolerated.
He further warned herders against the use of underage cattle rearers, describing the practice as unacceptable. At the same time, he appealed to community members to refrain from taking laws into their own hands by attacking or killing cattle, urging them instead to report grievances through the appropriate channels.
False Alarm in Emu-Ebendo–Umuseti–Obodougwa Dispute
Chief Azagba also addressed the tension raised by Emu-Ebendo community following allegations that Umuseti and Obodougwa were collaborating with Miyetti Allah to plan an attack. He revealed that security agencies investigated the claims and found no evidence of an impending assault.
He urged the communities to remain calm and avoid actions or statements capable of sabotaging the development currently taking place in Ndokwa nation under the Oborevwori administration.
Azagba assured all involved parties that the government would continue its investigations and work toward a lasting, legally binding agreement that guarantees peaceful coexistence.
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Communities, Miyetti Allah Commend Delta Government
Representatives of the various communities and Miyetti Allah expressed appreciation for Chief Azagba’s swift intervention and impartial handling of the disputes.
They commended Office of the Special Adviser for Livestock and Ethnic Matters for it’s prompt debunking of the rumours that bandits invaded Girls Secondary School in Utagba-Ogbe and pledged to remain law-abiding and committed to peaceful coexistence.
They also thanked Governor Oborevwori for establishing the Office of Livestock and Ethnic Matters, describing it as a timely initiative that has created a structured avenue for conflict resolution.
The mediation meetings were attended by senior security officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Delta State, both of whom were represented.
