The Nigeria Police command in Imo State convened a security meeting with stakeholders across three local government areas to tackle the persistent clashes between farmers and herders. The gathering focused on violence in Ohaji/Egbema, Owerri West and Oguta, with particular emphasis on crop destruction disputes, kidnapping and other emerging criminal threats.
ACP Emeka Ezeibe, who represented the Commissioner of Police at the meeting, restated the command's dedication to intelligence-driven policing and community cooperation. He told attendees that crime has no ethnic or religious boundaries and urged residents to share reliable information that could help expose criminals.
Stakeholders raised concerns about herders deliberately destroying farmland and crops through aggressive invasions of cultivated areas. They also highlighted kidnapping cases, intimidation of farmers and the damage these activities cause to livelihoods and food supplies.
Participants acknowledged that security had improved across the state and backed the need for ongoing joint action to prevent fresh threats. They praised Governor Hope Uzodinma for building peace and security by creating community-based local vigilante groups.
The meeting produced several key agreements: herders must stop encroaching on farmland, all herders operating in affected communities must be registered, and security agencies must work more closely with communities to combat kidnapping, farmer-herder violence and other crimes.
The State Police Command promised stakeholders it would continue tackling security issues through active policing and strategic partnerships with other agencies. A multi-community committee drawn from the three local government areas was set up to quickly address security problems related to herders and kidnapping while promoting peaceful relations.
Suleiman Ibrahim, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Uzodinma on Northern Affairs, told the meeting that the Hausa/Fulani community remained committed to peace. He stressed that law-abiding herders would not tolerate or protect criminals operating in their midst, he said.
