January 20, 2Nmukwem Indigenes in Alisimie, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, has cried out over the destruction of their farm crops by Fulani herdsmen and their cattle.
This was made known to newsmen in a letter addressed to Hon. Jerry Ehiwarior, the Chairman, Ika South Local Government Council Area, with the headline, “Notice Of Incursion Of Fulani Herdsmen On Our Farmland, Destroying Our Crops” dated January 13, 2025.
The letter was signed by, Mr. Andrew Chukwuka Okocha Onu-Ayuwe, Nmukwem, Alex Okumasor, Secretary Nmukwem Çommunity, Egbon Destiny Nmariobi, Youths Leader, Nmukwem, and Pst. Charles Oyiboka, Public Relation Officer Nmukwem Community. The said letter was copied HRM Dr. Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I CON, Dein of Agbor, The Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, Agbor Area Command, The Commander, Nigeria Army, Agbor, and the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) Nigeria Police Force, Agbor.
According to the document, ‘”We, the Indigenes of Nmukwem Community in Alisimie, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, write to you with great concern and urgency regarding the recent incursion of Fulani herdsmen into our farm lands.” Continuing, ‘As you are well aware, agriculture is the main source of livelihood for our community, and we have been peacefully coexisting with the Fulani herdsmen for generations; however, the recent actions of these herdsmen have caused great distress and harm to our people.” The community noted, “Their herds of cattle have been roaming freely in our farm lands, destroying our crops and causing significant financial losses to the indigenes of our community, and despite our numerous appeals and attempts to peacefully resolve this issue, the herdsmen have shown no regard for our land and have continued to graze their cattle on our farms.”
They said, “Not only have our crops been destroyed, but the presence of these cattle has also posed a threat to the safety and security of our people, there have been multiple instances of confrontations between the herdsmen and our community members, resulting in physical altercations.”
Speaking further they affirmed that, they are deeply concerned about the environmental impact of these cattle on their land. The indiscriminate grazing, they stated, has led to soil erosion and contamination of the community water sources, which is crucial for their agricultural activities.
They confirmed that they understand that the issue of herders’ encroachment is a national concern, but implored the local government chairman to take immediate and necessary action to resolve the issue in their community. “We urge you to work closely with the relevant authorities to find a lasting solution that will protect the interests and livelihoods of the indigenes of our community.” they appealed.
“We also request that necessary measures be put in place to prevent any future incursion by Fulani herdsmen into our farm lands.” members of the community requested.
Addressing the Ika South LGA chairman, they hinted, “As the chairman of our local government, we trust in your ability to address this issue and protect the rights of our community, we are counting on your prompt and decisive action to ameliorate the plight of our people and restore peace and harmony in our community,” they quipped.
By Nicholas Ebegboni.