The Abia State House of Assembly has taken decisive legislative steps to address the growing concerns over herdsmen-related destruction of farmlands in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
During plenary, lawmakers referred a petition highlighting alleged crop devastation and unlawful grazing activities in the Umuagu Autonomous Community to the Joint Committee on Security and Agriculture for urgent review and action. The move is aimed at finding a lasting solution to the escalating tensions between farmers and herders in the area.
Presenting the matter as one of urgent public importance, the member representing Umuahia North, Hon. Anderson Akaliro, described the situation as an “invasion,” noting that such activities persist despite the enforcement of Nigeria’s anti-open grazing law enacted in 2018. He called for immediate legislative intervention to prevent the crisis from deteriorating further.
In a separate development, the Assembly also considered a motion urging the state government to take over the Erei Palm Plantation Farm Settlement located in Okon Aku, Ohafia South. The motion, sponsored by Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, emphasized the need for government intervention to restore peace and revive economic activities in the troubled community.
The lawmaker proposed that the Ministry of Agriculture should assume control of the plantation to facilitate its revitalization while also calling for increased security deployment in the area. He further urged relevant legislative committees to collaborate with the executive arm in addressing recurring conflicts linked to the management of the plantation.
However, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, disclosed that the matter is already under investigation by a state-appointed panel. As a result, the Assembly resolved to suspend further action pending the panel’s report.
Meanwhile, legislative progress was recorded on the Abia State Alleviation Trust Fund Bill, 2025, which successfully passed its second reading. Sponsored by Hon. Stephen Akachukwu Ucheonye of Aba Central, the bill seeks to strengthen small and medium enterprises, boost internally generated revenue, and promote economic self-reliance among residents.
The bill has now been referred to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative scrutiny.
Additionally, a proposed bill to establish the Abia State Sports Development Fund was introduced but deferred for future consideration.
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Following deliberations on these and other matters, the House adjourned its sitting to reconvene on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
