By Nosa Eresoyen, Asaba

 Looking ahead, Delta State Governor  Ifeanyi Okowa warns the the numerous clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the country portends  great threat to sustainable food production in Nigeria.

 Governor Okowa speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Asaba argued that  “if we are going to encourage agriculture in this country, we must address the loss of farm produce from these security challenges posed by the herdsmen/farmers clash.” 

 Okowa explained that  his administration took proactive steps, including setting up interventionist committees to ensure that the clashes does not escalate as being  witnessed in some states of the federation. He  expressed confidence that the Presidential Committee set up on the issue will proffer solutions for the Federal Government to give policy trust for Nigerians to follow.

 He added that the issue of herdsmen taking over Uwheru community in Ughelli North local government area was being taken care of by security operatives, asserting that his administration will always employ diplomacy to avoid loss of life as a result of the activities of herdsmen.

 On the issue of tractors being hired to farmers at exorbitant cost, the Governor expressed joy that most Deltans were into farming, noting that farmers’ co-operative societies took charge of the hiring of tractors, but promised that more would be procured to cater for those who could not access tractors being run by the co-operative societies.

 Fielding question on the alleged take over of  land belonging to Umutu community by the Edo State government,  Okowa said  that the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice has been directed to liaise with Umutu community because, the issue was before the court.

 Okowa further lauded  Deltans for their peaceful dispositions which has ensured effective take off the multi-billion naira Premium Steel Rolling Mill, formerly, Delta Steel Company, Aladja. He attributed the performance of ground-breaking ceremony for the take-off of companies in the state and the flooding of the state by investors to the peaceful atmosphere in the state.