By Chinedu Amede
BENEKU/Nigeria: Indigenes of Beneku Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Livestock Management Committee and the Commissioner of Police to urgently intervene in an alleged recurring invasion of farmlands and destruction of crops by herders.
The appeal was contained in a petition dated September 28, 2026, in which the community accused some herders of disregarding a consent judgment and an agreement reportedly reached between the parties on March 12, 2024, at the Ashaka Magistrate Court.
The petition, titled “Fragrant Disregard/Disobedience to the Consent Judgment/Agreement and Sustained Unauthorized Grazing on, and Destruction of Our Farm Crops in Beneku Community by Fulani Herdsmen,” warned that the continued disagreement could escalate into a security crisis if the authorities failed to intervene.
The community leaders said previous interventions by the state government and the police had raised hopes of a peaceful resolution, but alleged that the situation remained unresolved.
According to the petition, the herders had failed to comply with the terms of the agreement, which the community said required them to vacate the affected bushes and areas within Beneku.
The petitioners further alleged that cattle continued to graze on cultivated lands, destroying crops and undermining the livelihoods of residents who depend largely on farming for their survival.
They described the alleged destruction as a serious economic setback for local farmers, who they said had suffered considerable losses and were facing increasing hardship as a result.
The petition was signed by the Okpala Uku of Beneku Community, His Highness Ajuwa Oyemike; High Chief Samson Enene; Mr Onwubolu Edike, the community secretary; and other community leaders.
The signatories appealed to the governor, the state police commissioner and other relevant authorities to take urgent steps to resolve the dispute and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
They maintained that their appeal was motivated by a desire to preserve peace and security in the community, stressing that a timely response from the authorities would help avert further tension.
The petition also referred to a resolution reportedly adopted at a general meeting of Beneku indigenes on Thursday, September 17, 2026, calling on the herders to honour the consent judgment and the agreement reached with the community.
The petitioners alleged that the continued presence of cattle on their farmlands had heightened fears among residents. They also reported threats against members of the community, including alleged threats of sexual violence against women and attacks on anyone who challenged the grazing activities.
These allegations could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report. The herders’ response to the allegations was also not available.
The community urged the authorities to address the matter through lawful means, including enforcement of any applicable court orders and appropriate security measures, to protect lives, property and agricultural activities.
The development places renewed attention on the need for effective conflict-resolution mechanisms in rural communities where disputes over access to farmland and cattle grazing can threaten livelihoods, food production and peaceful coexistence.
For Beneku residents, the immediate priority is a peaceful resolution that safeguards their farms, addresses the allegations and prevents the dispute from escalating into violence.
