Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has cautioned traditional rulers in the state against allocating land to herdsmen within forest areas, warning that anyone found culpable will face sanctions.
The governor issued the warning while flagging off the 2025/2026 dry farming season at the state-owned rice farm in Otuasega community, Ogbia Local Government Area.
He said the directive aligns with the state’s existing anti-grazing law.
In a statement by his spokesman, Mr Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri was quoted as explaining that the movement of herdsmen with their cattle often leads to the destruction of farmlands and crops, negatively impacting food production in the state.
He said, “On the issue of herdsmen, they do not live on our farms. What is correct is that they move and destroy crops.
“Let me state again that our anti-grazing law is still in force. Contact any security agency in cases of herdsmen destruction, rather than going to social media.
“Let me warn our traditional rulers who give herdsmen land in our forests that anyone caught will be sanctioned. Bayelsa must be safe, and we must all contribute to its safety.”
Governor Diri also instructed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure increased production of Bayelsa-made rice by the end of 2026. He further announced a monthly N200 million intervention to support farmers across the state.
“For our farmers, we will always support you. Honourable Commissioner, identify the true farmers in the state, and what I was doing for MSMEs will also be done for farmers. So, N200 million monthly will now be set aside to support our farmers,” he said.
He also encouraged civil servants and residents of the state to actively participate in agricultural activities.