KWALE/Nigeria: Farmers in three communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State have raised concerns over the alleged return of herdsmen and cattle to their farmlands, following reports of crop destruction and restricted access to farms.
The affected communities are Ike-Onicha, Onicha-Ukwuani and Ogbagu-Ogume, where residents are seeking government and security intervention to prevent further damage to crops and protect the livelihoods of local farmers.
Speaking with journalists at Ike-Onicha, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Civil Service and Onochueze of Ike-Onicha, Onicha-Ukwuani, Ogbuiji Augustine Chukwuma, said the herdsmen and their cattle had previously left the communities following interventions by the state government and the Ndokwa West Local Government Council.
Chukwuma commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Chief Obi Nzete, for their efforts in getting the herders to vacate the affected areas.
He, however, said residents were surprised when the herdsmen and their cattle allegedly returned on August 5, about three weeks after leaving the communities.
According to him, the return of the cattle has renewed concerns among farmers, particularly those whose crops are allegedly being destroyed by indiscriminate grazing.
Chukwuma said some farmers had also been unable to access their farmlands, adding that the situation was creating difficulties for residents who depend largely on farming for their livelihoods.
He specifically drew attention to the area around the boundary between Ike-Onicha and Ogbagu-Ogume, where he alleged that cattle were currently grazing on farmlands and destroying crops.
The community leader described the development as a threat to agricultural activities and food production in the affected communities.
He stressed that the residents remained peace-loving and law-abiding, saying they had resisted the temptation to take matters into their own hands despite the difficulties allegedly caused by the grazing activities.
Chukwuma appealed to the Delta State Government and security agencies to urgently address the situation, ensure the safety of farmers and restore unhindered access to their farmlands.
He said such intervention would help prevent a possible escalation of tensions and enable farmers to return to their fields and continue their economic activities.
