Victor Ochei, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Delta North, has pledged to advocate stronger security measures and effective enforcement of the state’s livestock law to protect farmers and rural communities across the district.
Ochei said insecurity in rural areas, including reported clashes, cattle encroachment on cultivated farmlands and fears surrounding access to isolated farming locations, had become a concern for agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
In a policy statement titled “Security First: Make Our Farms and Communities Safe Again,” the senatorial candidate stressed that protecting lives and property must remain the primary responsibility of government.
He argued that insecurity in farming communities goes beyond public safety, noting that farmers’ inability to access their farms safely affects food production, household incomes, rural investment and economic development.
Ochei also highlighted the ongoing debate over the implementation of Delta State’s Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Law, 2021, maintaining that passing legislation without effective enforcement would not adequately address the challenges.
He pledged that, if elected senator, he would work with other Anioma legislators to advocate coordinated action by the Delta State Government and relevant security agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the existing law.
According to him, his priorities would include adequate funding for livestock-management structures, improved coordination among state authorities, local governments and security agencies, and stronger protection for farmers and rural communities.
He also promised to advocate rapid-response mechanisms for security incidents in farming areas, lawful investigation and prosecution of violent crimes, and community-based intelligence and early-warning systems.
The NDC candidate further called for dialogue and lawful livestock-management arrangements to reduce tensions and prevent recurring conflicts between farming communities and livestock operators.
Ochei emphasised that his proposed approach would not target any ethnic group or lawful means of livelihood but would focus on protecting citizens and ensuring compliance with the law.
“No citizen should lose access to his or her farm, property, livelihood or life because the law is not being enforced,” he stated.
He said his objective was to make farms and rural areas across Delta North safe for legitimate economic activities, presenting security as a key component of his proposed development agenda for the senatorial district.
