Residents of Ike-Onicha in Onicha-Ukwuani, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, have turned to traditional deities after peaceful negotiations with suspected herdsmen failed. The community took the step following repeated invasions of farmlands that have disrupted livelihoods across the settlement.
Ogbuiji Augustine Chukwuma, the community secretary, told reporters that elders invoked the gods of the land after all attempts to convince the herders to leave proved fruitless. He explained that the armed herdsmen set up an illegal camp between Ike-Onicha and Ogbagu roughly four weeks ago.
The presence of the camp forced farmers, particularly women, to stop working their fields over fears of kidnapping, sexual assault, and violence. Crops have been destroyed multiple times, leaving residents without food and income.
Matthew Ujene, coordinator of the Delta North Livestock Management Committee, confirmed his team investigated the complaint and located the unlawful camp deep in the forest. He said they dismantled the camp after the herder in charge refused to leave voluntarily.
According to Ujene, the issue has now been referred to the local government chairman, who plans to convene a security meeting next week. He stressed the importance of enforcing Delta State's open grazing ban to prevent similar incidents.
