Tension in Edo, Delta as herders-farmers clashes claim 35 lives in six months
…Crops worth N200m destroyed
…Residents of afflicted communities flee
By Nosa Àkeñzua
Fresh tension has enveloped residents of Edo and Delta States following reported unabated clashes between farmers and suspected killer herdsmen in both states.
The clashes have led to reported destruction of crops worth at least N200 million in Obetim-Uno community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.
In both states, no fewer than 35 persons have been allegedly killed in the last six months even as many residents of Ovia North East communities in Edo State have been forced to flee their homes.
Residents in affected localities in both states allege that many of the heavily-armed herdsmen have gone on a raping spree, especially of women found on farms, compelling many women to avoid farm work at the moment.
Although stakeholders in Edo and Delta States have continued to proffer dialogue as the best way to address the recurring clashes, their efforts appear unfruitful.
Relations of victims who were allegedly murdered in cold blood by the rampaging herdsmen have expressed ”great anger and eagerness to retaliate.”
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Stakeholders said that the continued destruction of farmlands by cattle would only lead to more antagonism towards herders and have urged residents to also learn to involve security agencies whenever there were infractions.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, President General (PG) of Obetim-Uno Community Association, Chief Sunny Meme claimed that over N200 million worth of crops were destroyed by herders in his community.
He added that aside such violence on residents’ means of livelihood, herders had also killed countless persons.
He, however, appealed to security operatives to collaborate with the local vigilantes to curb the menace.
A clergyman, Pastor Benjamin Oyaole of the Redeemed Christian Church in Benin City, Edo State, painted a worrying picture of insecurity in Edo State.
He said: ”The situation we are in here in Edo State is very unfortunate and disturbing with horrendous activities of the suspected herdsmen who allegedly have killed countless persons in various Edo communities, and we are appealing to Governor Obaseki, security operatives to collaborate with local vigilantes to put an end to these ugly situations.
”It may not have been reported in the newspapers, but some residents in Ovia North East communities have abandoned their houses for fear of the unknown.”
In Delta State, the Commandant of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suleiman Jimoh, said the corps had intervened in the impasse between farmers and herders in Obetim-Uno community.
Leader of a joint farmers’ union in Edo and Delta States, Chief Godwin Okolie, who spoke to The Daily Times said: ”We are under siege of threat to lives by these herders. It is very unfortunate and disturbing that we cannot go to our farmlands because of their terrible activities, We cannot broker peace with people who have been destroying our farm crops with their cows, but we are appealing to the State governments to come out with final solutions to our problem.”
Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Bright Edafe confirmed that there have several cases of herders-farmers clashes, disclosing that the police have also arrested some of the herders.
According to him, the police will continue to protect the lives and properties of residents of the state.
On the alleged killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen, DSP Edafe said investigation was ongoing, adding that some suspects have been charged to court.
His counterpart in Edo State, Chidi Nwanbuzor, also confirmed that the police have arrested several persons in connection with alleged killings and destruction of farmlands and crops.
Nwanbuzor added that investigation was ongoing to ensure that those responsible for the destruction of farmlands, crops, involvement in rape, killings are prosecuted.
