Farmers in the Obetim-Uno community, located in the Afor sector of Ndokwa East Local Council, Delta State, are facing severe losses as herdsman have reportedly destroyed their farmlands. According to local reports, about 300 farmlands, valued at N100 million, have been ruined, leading to a major crisis in the community.
Sunny Neme, a respected community leader, voiced the community’s concerns to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state. He revealed the long-standing issue, stating, “Farm and farmlands in my community have been ravaged by herdsmen and their cows for over a year, with the damage amounting to more than N100 million.”
Neme further expressed his fear over the herdsmen’s aggressive behaviours, which has forced many local farmers, primarily women, to abandon their farmlands. This abandonment has led to an impending threat of starvation, as farming is the community’s primary source of livelihood.
Despite the community’s efforts to resolve the issue peacefully, dialogue with the herders has been futile. This has led the community to involve government authorities, resulting in the arrest of two herders, Abdul Mohammed and Ali Abdul.
Neme emphasized the community’s demand for compensation, the immediate removal of the herdsmen’s cows, and their departure from the community lands, which were never offered for grazing.
In a similar vein, the Community Secretary of Obetim-Uno, Chief Hope Osanebi, recounted a recent incident where herdsmen threatened his life and destroyed considerable amounts of land and crops. He estimated the damage from that single day at N100 million.
The community continues to seek a peaceful resolution to this conflict, with hopes of restoring their livelihood and ensuring their safety.
SOURCE: The Guardian
IMAGE: Nigerian Tribune
