Delta: Renewed herdsmen attacks in Ughelli North heighten calls for government action

By Akpokona Omafuaire

The cries of residents across several communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State are becoming louder by the day. What started years ago as occasional disputes between farmers and herders has gradually evolved into a persistent security challenge that continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and peace in the area.

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For many residents of communities such as Uwherun, Ohoror, Agadama, Orogun, Edjekota, Oviri-Ogor, Evwreni, and their neighboring settlements, the fear of attacks by suspected armed herdsmen has become a daily reality. Farmers now venture into their farmlands with uncertainty, while families live in constant fear of the next attack.

Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy in Ughelli North. Thousands of residents depend on farming for survival, cultivating cassava, yam, maize, vegetables, and other crops. However, recurring attacks have forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, resulting in huge economic losses and food shortages.

Several victims and community leaders, including former Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, have repeatedly narrated heartbreaking stories of the destruction of crops, attacks on farmers, kidnappings, and violent confrontations allegedly perpetrated by armed herders. In some instances, lives have been lost, while many others have sustained injuries.

Months ago, Fulani herdsmen destroyed farmland and crops belonging to Prof. Patrick Muoboghare in Edjekota Community.

An agitated Muoboghare expressed deep displeasure over the destruction of his farmland by cattle rearers, accusing the Fulani herdsmen of repeated incursions and devastation of crops in his community.

Again, an Inspector of Police attached to MOPOL 51 PMF was ambushed and shot dead at a checkpoint, and his AK-47 rifle was stolen by unknown gunmen in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The deceased police officer, simply identified as Insp. Danladi Ahmed, was killed by his assailants from a nearby forest along the Ohoror axis of the East-West Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

This incident occurred after the killing of several mobile policemen by suspected herdsmen while on a mission to free a kidnapped policeman on the Ohoror/Uwherun axis of Ughelli North, with six decomposing corpses recovered later.

The consequences extend beyond physical attacks. Women who depend on farm produce for their livelihoods have seen their incomes decline drastically. Young people who would ordinarily engage in farming are increasingly discouraged, while many households struggle to meet their basic needs.

Community leaders have consistently called on security agencies and government authorities to intervene. Protest marches, petitions, and public appeals have become common as residents seek urgent action to halt the growing insecurity. Yet many believe the response from relevant authorities has fallen short of expectations.

The recurring attacks raise serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures. Despite assurances from government officials and security agencies, residents insist that the situation remains largely unchanged. Many rural communities still lack an adequate security presence, making them vulnerable to attacks.

Security analysts argue that addressing the crisis requires more than deploying security personnel. There is a need for comprehensive strategies that include intelligence gathering, community policing, enforcement of anti-open grazing laws where applicable, and dialogue mechanisms aimed at resolving conflicts between farmers and herders.

The government must also address the humanitarian impact of these attacks. Families who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, or lost their means of livelihood require support. Without meaningful intervention, the economic and social consequences could worsen, further deepening poverty in affected communities.

Beyond Ughelli North, the challenge reflects a broader national concern. Across several states in Nigeria, conflicts involving armed herders and farming communities have continued to claim lives and displace residents. The persistence of these incidents underscores the urgent need for coordinated action at the federal, state, and local government levels.

For the people of Ughelli North, however, the issue is not about political debates or policy discussions. It is about survival. Farmers want to return safely to their farms. Parents want their children to live without fear. Communities want to restore the peace that once defined their environment.

The recent series of coordinated attacks on residents of Edjekota-Ogor Community by herdsmen has heightened concerns over the continued attacks in Ughelli North.

Speaking to newsmen, the community’s President-General, Pastor Oghenemakpo Uyo, said the once peaceful agricultural community has been under siege in recent times as members of an extremist group popularly known as Boko Haram invaded the community last week, leaving one person with bullet and cutlass wounds.

According to him, the attackers invaded the community through the Oviri-Ogor/Edjekota-Ogor Road at about 8:00 p.m. and launched an offensive attack on the father of a three-month-old baby and his wife.

Uyo further disclosed that the attackers asked their victim to follow them while he was returning from within the town, where he had gone to buy baby food for his three-month-old child.

As reports of fresh attacks continue to emerge, residents are asking a simple but important question: When will the government act decisively?

The answer to this question will determine not only the future of agriculture and economic activities in Ughelli North but also the confidence of citizens in the ability of government to protect lives and property.

Until concrete actions replace promises, the people of Ughelli North may continue to live under the shadow of fear, hoping that one day their communities will once again become safe places to live, work, and thrive.