Ndokwa West Farmers Raise Fresh Alarm Over Alleged Return Of Herdsmen To Farmlands
By BLESSING AGWE ODUGO
Farmers Report Fresh Tension
FARMERS in Ike-Onicha, Onicha-Ukwuani and Ogbagu-Ogume communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed for urgent government intervention over the alleged return of herdsmen and cattle to their farmlands.
The residents alleged that cattle had resumed movement through cultivated areas, destroying crops and restricting farmers’ access to parts of their farms.
They said the development could threaten livelihoods and local food production if not addressed quickly.
The appeal was made by a retired Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Civil Service and Onochueze of Ike-Onicha, Onicha-Ukwuani, Ogbuiji Augustine Chukwuma, while speaking with journalists in Ike-Onicha.
Relief Ends After Three Weeks
Chukwuma commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Chief Obi Nzete, for their earlier intervention.
According to him, the intervention had previously led to the departure of the herdsmen and their cattle from the affected communities.
He said the herdsmen left the area about three weeks ago, providing temporary relief for farmers and residents.
The situation, he said, changed on 5 August when residents allegedly discovered that the herdsmen and cattle had returned.
Crops Allegedly Destroyed
Chukwuma said the alleged return had renewed anxiety among farmers who depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods.
He claimed that some farmers had been unable to reach their farmlands, while cattle had moved through cultivated areas and damaged crops.
He also expressed concern about alleged cattle grazing around the boundary between Ike-Onicha and Ogbagu-Ogume.
The community leader described the situation as a serious threat to farming activities in the area.
For communities where agriculture remains a major source of income and food, continued crop destruction could deepen economic pressure on households.
Community Calls for Peaceful Resolution
Chukwuma described the affected communities as peaceful and law-abiding.
He said residents had continued to exercise restraint despite the alleged challenges.
Rather than resorting to self-help, he urged the authorities to intervene and resolve the situation.
He appealed to the Delta State Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to address the reported return of the herdsmen and cattle.
Livelihoods & Food Production at Stake
The community leader called for measures that would enable farmers to regain unrestricted access to their farmlands.
He said protecting cultivated areas was necessary to prevent further crop losses and safeguard household incomes.
He also warned that prolonged disruption of farming could affect food production in the communities.
Chukwuma urged the authorities to act before the situation escalated into a wider conflict.
He said prompt intervention would help protect farmers, prevent further damage to crops and preserve peace among residents.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and no response from the alleged herders was contained in the report.
The immediate challenge for authorities is to establish the facts on the ground and find a sustainable solution that protects farmers’ livelihoods while preventing confrontation between farming and pastoral interests.
