Delta farmers flee, others missing as herdsmen invade farms

Suspected Fulani herdsmen are allegedly holding some farmers hostage in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that some of the farmers were chased away from their farmlands, which the herdsmen took over, while the others were held hostage.

The incident which occurred on Saturday, had raised tension in the community as the residents gathered on Thursday discussing the fate of the farmers who had yet to come back home.

It was gathered that vigilantes and youths had stormed the bushes on a rescue mission, while residents of Obiaruku called on relevant authorities to intervene urgently to avert a possible bloodbath.

An indigene of the community stated that farmers had refused to return to their farms since Saturday when the incident occurred.

However, the Chairman Ukwuani Local Government Council, Mr. Possible Ajede, confirmed the incident and said security agents and community leaders were already on top of the situation.

Ajede frowned on the resurgence of the unwholesome activities of herdsmen after a lull.

He said, due to the rapid response of a combined team of the police and local vigilantes, eight persons earlier held hostage by herdsmen had been rescued, adding, however, that three natives of the town were still being held.

Ajede stated, “It is painful that you are going to your farm, only to meet armed herdsmen with their cattle eating your entire investment.

“When we came on board in March, we invited the leaders of the Fulani herdsmen for a meeting, and after that meeting, they appeared to be on a holiday.

“But we heard recently about the hostage and the menace of the herdsmen. So, we mobilized our security operatives into the bush. When they saw the operatives, they abandoned the hostages and took to their heels”.