INVASION OF DELTA COMMUNITIES BY HERDSMEN - EKIYOR CALLS ON DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE URGENT STEPS TO SECURE LIVES OF CITIZENS

The invasion of some parts of Delta communities by herdsmen destroying their farmlands and holding agrarian settlements hostage by denying them access to their farms and fish ponds portends great danger for the indigenes of the various communities which might lead to a resultant break down of law and order if not properly addressed by the security agencies and Delta State Government.

The call was made by the former Caretaker Committee Chairman, Patani Local Government Area and President Emeritus, Ijaw youth council, Dr Chris Ekiyor while reacting to the activities of herdsmen taking over Delta communities such as the recent invasion of Amatebe community in Patani Local Government Area, Ovre Abraka community, Ossissa and other communities in the state as hideout and grazing ground for their cattle, describing it as callous and an infringement on the rights of the indigenes of the community.

Dr Chris Ekiyor decried the unwarranted harassment in some parts of Delta communities, calling on the authorities to take proactive steps in the future to wade into the nefarious activities of the herdsmen.

“It is unacceptable for the herdsmen to occupy Delta communities as their grazing lands thereby destroying their farmlands, sometimes demanding ransom from farmers and fishermen to allow them to their farms and fish ponds and maiming innocent citizens of the communities.”

“I call on the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the security agencies to take decisive action to avert a breakdown of law and order that may result from counter aggression whenever the communities are invaded. The Delta state government must ensure the safety of the citizens and put a stop to the yearly occurrence because they will come back again in the dry season.”

“As good citizens of the state, we condemn in its entirety, the destruction of farmlands and extortion from the helpless villagers who are going about their daily struggles to survive. This oppression of communities should stop in the interest peaceful co-existence”, Dr Ekiyor warned.

It is reported that herdsmen have been terrorizing some parts of Delta State in recent times with loss of lives and properties inflicted on the people.

Chiedu Rosemond Ugbe
Chief Press Secretary