FULANI HERDSMEN INVADES ABAVO COMMUNITY IN DELTA, KILLS, RAPES, PLUNDERS INDIGENES FARM LANDS
Published October 20, 2022
Nicholas Ebegboni
Indigenes of Abavo community in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State has raised alarm over the activities of Fulani herdsmen raining terror on the community.
Reports indicate that these individuals have been terrorizing the local people of Abavo for some time now, through acts of murder, violence, sexual assault, and abduction for ransom.
However, the severity and frequency of these attacks have greatly escalated since 2020
Some Indigenes of Abavo community who spoke in condition of anonymonity said, this month of October 2022 have further intensified the situation, as the so-called herdsmen invaded and destroyed the farmlands of several families, including the Ehiwarior family, Egwuanimkwu Sunday, Benjamin Kiwogun, Osemeha Johnson, Uwaya Julius, and others. Disturbingly, sources reveal that when these families attempted to resist these invaders by speaking out and teaming up with the local vigilante group, and also because of their religious beliefs, they became targets.
They disclosed that, the herdsmen went after these families who spoke out against their evil act and that the herdsmen threatened to kill members of these families where ever they see them. This according to the indigenes, made those families to run for their lives.
They revealed that the Fulani herdsmen, boasted that, all of Nigeria belongs to them, as they specifically targeted those who stood up against their intrusion. This people were also picked for attack because of their religious beliefs.
According to sources, the herdsmen proclaimed that anyone who defies them would face the consequences of having themselves and their entire family members dealt with severely. On further investigation, reports have uncovered a shocking truth about these terrorists. They possess advanced weaponry and carelessly bring their cows onto innocent civilians' farmland, leaving a path of destruction in their wake.
Not only do they cause economic devastation, but they also commit horrifying acts such as murder, assault, rape, and kidnapping for money.
The Delta State Government on it part, is not doing enough to safe the situation as several appeal has been made to the government of Dr. Sen.Ifeanyi Okowa the Executive Governor of Delta State, and nothing was done, members of the community now leave in fear.
These barbaric herdsmen have been known to target areas like Obiayema, Oyoko, Abavo Central, Abavo Owa Oyibu road, villages along the railway line in Ika South LGA, and other surrounding villages.
They operate like ghosts, swiftly descending upon their chosen targets and disappearing into the safety of the bushes before anyone can react. Sources revealed that they have complete control over the bushes in Ika South.
It is a grim reality that the people of Abavo community are defenseless against these ruthless terrorists. The local vigilante group, armed with only dane guns and double barrel shotguns, is no match for the sophisticated weapons carried by the herdsmen.
It seems that these terrorists can continue their despicable activities without any consequences, further adding to the helplessness of the community.
As at the time of filing this report, most of the families mentioned have fled Abavo community with all their family members, leaving their farmlands behind, as according to sources, their lives were more important to them.
