Residents of Igbodo Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State have urged the state government to immediately remove herdsmen from their communities, citing ongoing destruction of farmlands and crops by grazing cattle.
The call came from aggrieved residents of Anikpeku, Idumuobior, Idumuozei, Anieyime, Ilabor, and Ndobu communities, who took to the streets and the local market square to express their grievances.
During the peaceful protest, participants carried placards with messages such as: “Fulani Herdsmen Must Go,” “Say No to Fulani Herdsmen in Igbodo Land,” “We Are Suffering in Igbodo Land,” “Our Farmlands Are in Trouble,” “Leave Our Land,” “Delta State Government Save Us,” “Save Our Farms,” and “No Grazing on Our Farmlands.”
The protesters demanded the immediate removal of herdsmen from Igbodo Kingdom to protect their farmlands and prevent potential famine.
Speaking to journalists, spokesperson Mr. Chinedu Augustine said the people of Igbodo have endured eight years of suffering due to herdsmen who, he alleged, have taken over farmlands. He added that residents now live in constant fear and no longer sleep peacefully due to the persistent threats posed by the herders.
Another resident, Mr. Augustine, told our correspondent that many farmers have abandoned their lands for fear of kidnapping, assault, or even death. He emphasized that farming is the main source of livelihood in Igbodo, describing the kingdom as a major agricultural hub.
He lamented: “These criminals kidnap our people, and we are forced to pay huge ransoms for their release. The most distressing part is that they now enter homes without fear and abduct residents. We are calling on the government to protect us from these evil acts.”
Another protester, Mr. Daniel Nnabuife, described the herdsmen’s continued presence as a serious threat to peace and security, calling for urgent intervention by relevant authorities. He said: “We are suffering in Igbodo. The rise in kidnapping, destruction of farmlands, and insecurity caused by herdsmen is unacceptable. We can no longer stand by while our people are kidnapped, assaulted, and our land terrorized. We call on all levels of government to come to our aid.”
Other residents, including Mrs. Ogordinanwa, Mr. Victor Okwudili, and Mrs. Onyeisi Enemokwu, voiced fear about going to their farms. They noted that what began as occasional cattle invasions has escalated into a widespread threat across the kingdom.
Chief Ngozi Dichika, the Iyase of Igbodo Kingdom, condemned the herdsmen’s repeated incursions into farmlands, warning that the agrarian community, which relies solely on farming, is now helpless. He appealed to federal, state, and local authorities for urgent intervention to prevent hunger and further loss of life.
He concluded: “We do not want herdsmen in our land. We want our territory free from these hoodlums.”
