Herdsman feared killed in clash with suspected hoodlums in Delta

• Community seeks help over marauding nomads
• Govt set to enact Coroner law

A reported altercation between suspected hoodlums and a herdsman has allegedly led to the death of the nomad in Emu-Ebendo community of Ndokwa West Local Council of Delta. The incident reportedly took place on Sunday evening.

Though tension seems to be mounting, the identity of the alleged perpetrators remained unknown at press time.A source claimed that the assailants were on their routine trip of laying ambushing for unsuspecting persons when they reportedly ran into the said herdsman and along the line, a quarrel ensued, resulting in the unfortunate death

He added that the herdsman first attacked the suspected hoodlums with his bow and arrow, but was overpowered before being shot.Reacting, the state Police Commissioner, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the incident, said some persons had been arrested, warning that the force would bring to justice any criminal elements.

In a related development, women in Umusam community, Utagba-Ogbe kingdom of the council yesterday called on the state and federal governments to save them from alleged herdsmen menace.

The over 5,000 protesters claimed that their crops were being destroyed by cattle rearers whom they said they were at the verge of capturing them yesterday but escaped.

In a chat, the community’s paramount leader. Chief Patrick Igwe, said the women took to the protest following the wanton destruction of their crops, especially cassava.

Meanwhile, a bill seeking the enactment of the State Coroner Law is to be forwarded soon to the House of Assembly. The piece of legislation aims at requesting investigation into mysterious deaths.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Peter Mrakpor, made the disclosure when receiving members of the State Steering Committee on Maternal and Paternal Death Surveillance and Response in Asaba.

He noted that the law, when passed, would uncover causes of some preventable deaths and make it possible for people to be held accountable for their actions.