Farmers in Idumu Oba community in Umunede Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State are said to be recounting their woes following the recent invasion of farmlands by suspected herdsmen and their cows, where crops worth millions of naira were said to be destroyed.
A community elder and farmer, Mr. Idehen Stephen has expressed dissatisfaction over the destruction of their farmlands valued millions of naira by marauding herdsmen and their cows, saying that the evil activities of the invaders has become unbearable for farmers in Idumu Oba community.
He disclosed that the invaders were ready to kill anyone that dared to question them, as such, most of the farmers, especially women have abandoned their investments in farms and farmlands just to remain alive, while hunger and starvation stare them in the faces.
He added that most of the inhabitants in Idumu Oba community are farmers, saying that farming remains their only means of livelihood, saying that he feeds himself and his family with the proceeds he earns from his farmland.
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In his words, “They came into our community and took over our farmlands and nothing seems to be done about it, we are now scared in our father’s land, our wives and children are now afraid to go to farm”.
“They destroy our crops, harass our wives and female children, they steal our motorcycles and walk freely in our community”.
Mr. Idehen used the opportunity to appeal to the state government, concerned individuals and groups to come to the aid of the people, saying that farmers in Idumu Oba community are languishing in pain.
Another farmer whose farmland was also destroyed said he regretted that the invaders are using their cows to destroy farmlands and crops in Idumu Oba community because of the penchant of Ika people to accommodate strangers.
The farmer who pleaded for anonymity said the visitors have inflicted pains on them in their father land, hinting that such evil act can never happen in the Northern side of the country.
He called on the appropriate authorities to urgently address the issue, affirming that the people are not happy with the situation.
By Amos Chukwuekwu