Residents of the Ike-Onicha community in the Ndokwa West area of Delta State have resorted to spiritual measures, calling upon local deities to expel nomadic herdsmen from their ancestral lands. The villagers claim the influx of armed herders has crippled their agricultural activities and created a climate of terror.
For the past month, local farmers have been unable to work due to fears of abduction and violence. Ogbuiji Augustine Chukwuma, a community leader, explained that the village is facing a severe food crisis as families are too frightened to access their fields. Initial attempts at diplomacy failed, as the herders returned shortly after being asked to leave.
In response to the persistent threat, community elders performed traditional rituals to invoke the protection of their ancestral spirits. While the community waits for divine resolution, they have also sought assistance from government officials. Mr. Matthew Ujene, from the Delta North Livestock Management Committee, confirmed that his team investigated the area and dismantled an unauthorized camp established by a herder identified as Muhammed. Despite these efforts, Ujene emphasized that the only long-term solution is a strict enforcement of the state’s open grazing ban.
A security meeting has been scheduled by the Council Chairman for the coming week to address the ongoing instability. For now, the people of Ike-Onicha remain in a state of uncertainty, waiting for the government to secure their lands so they can resume their livelihoods.
