Ndokwa West Farmers On Edge As Alleged Attacks Disrupt Life In Delta Communities

By UCHE OGBODO

A Growing Sense of Insecurity

FEAR has spread across parts of Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State following a series of reported confrontations between farmers and men residents identified as suspected herders.

In Emu-Ebendo, where farming provides a major source of livelihood, residents say they are becoming increasingly apprehensive about entering their plantations.

The concern intensified after two separate incidents were reported within a short period, including the burning of a cargo tricycle and an alleged attack on a rubber tapper.

Related reports have also linked the September 14 incident to wider security concerns in neighbouring farming communities.

Cassava Farmer Escapes, Tricycle Burns

According to Fidelis Ikosa, chairman of the Emu-Ebendo Vigilante team, a farmer recently escaped after allegedly encountering armed men while travelling to a farm to collect cassava.

Ikosa said the farmer and another person were using a cargo tricycle when they allegedly saw the men coming out of the bush.

The two occupants reportedly jumped off the vehicle and contacted members of the vigilante team.

However, Ikosa said the attackers had already set the tricycle ablaze before the vigilantes arrived.

The vigilantes, he added, used water from a nearby earth pond to put out the fire.

The incident has added to concerns among residents who depend on farming but now fear venturing deep into the bush.

Rubber Tapper’s Account

The situation reportedly took another turn on September 14 when John Ogoro went to his rubber plantation with his 12-year-old son.

Ogoro said they were returning from the plantation after checking the extent of flooding in the area when two armed men stopped them near the main road.

According to him, the men accused him of killing their cows. He denied the allegation and explained that he had only recently returned to the plantation after staying away from the area for almost two months.

Ogoro said the men ordered them to kneel and later called two others, bringing the number of alleged attackers to four.

He alleged that the men considered attacking him with a cutlass before deciding to use a firearm.

Ogoro said he ran when the men began preparing their weapons and was injured as he escaped. He eventually reached the road, where a passer-by helped him to Kwale.

He was later taken to hospital and discharged.

Committee Mobilises

Matthew Ujene, Delta North coordinator of the State Livestock Management Committee, said a good Samaritan alerted him after hearing someone calling for help at Umusam Junction.

Ujene said he and other committee members immediately moved to the area and took Ogoro to the police.

The victim was subsequently referred to hospital for treatment.

Ujene described the development as disturbing and said farmer-herder disputes had also been reported in Amorji and Ikonicha communities.

He called for stronger enforcement of the state’s anti-open-grazing law, arguing that clearer implementation could help address recurring conflicts.

Police Version Differs

While confirming that Ogoro was attacked, Delta State Police spokesperson Bright Edafe gave a different account of the injuries.

Edafe said Ogoro was not shot but assaulted, adding that his head was broken during the attack. He also confirmed that the victim had been discharged from hospital.

According to the police spokesperson, the attackers allegedly accused Ogoro of killing their cow.

The police, he said, have opened an internal investigation into the incident and the wider dispute between residents and herders.

Security & Food Production at Stake

The incidents have placed renewed attention on the security challenges confronting farming communities in Ndokwa West.

For residents, the issue goes beyond individual attacks. When farmers fear entering their plantations, the disruption can affect the movement of crops, household incomes and local economic activity.

Earlier reports also documented complaints from farming communities around Emu-Ebendo, Umusam Ogbe, Abbe and neighbouring areas over alleged attacks, crop destruction and difficulties accessing farmlands.

With the police investigation ongoing, residents and community stakeholders are now seeking measures that can improve security in the affected areas while preventing further escalation between farmers and herders.