By: Felix Ikpotor
Ogoni Elders in Rivers State under the aegis of Gbo Kabari Ogoni, has raised the alarm over the invasion of their communities by armed herdsmen who forcefully occupy farmlands with their livestock.
The group in a statement entitled, ‘Before we are killed again’ and signed by its Chairman, Chief Monday Abueh and Secretary, Dr. Desmond Nbete said for several weeks, the armed herdsmen had chased farmers and occupied vast areas of farmlands under effective cultivation across five communities of Khana and Eleme local government areas of the state.
The statement added that after occupying the farmlands, they graze cows on crops in the affected communities without minding the effect o the farmers, adding that the action is a threat to peace and security of the area, as well as undermine the livelihood of the people and their existence.
The statement reads in part:“For the past weeks, armed Fulani herdsmen have occupied vast areas of farmlands under effective cultivation in the Ogoni communities of Baa Lueku, Kpaa, Seme Lueku and Dae in Khana Local Government Area and Eteo in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“The invaders, armed with sophisticated weapons, especially the dreaded AK-47, some of which are strapped to their cows, have driven away farmers from their farmlands, forcibly occupied the farmlands and are grazing their cows on cultivated crops.
“We are particularly concerned by the fact that when resisted or confronted by community leaders and representatives of our people, they have threatened mayhem and even boasted that the powers-that-be and the security agencies are aware of their presence, and would decisively deal with our people if further confronted.”
PHSpectator recalls that few weeks ago, the lawmaker representing Khana constituency 2 in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Prince Ngbor Piccolo had visited the area where he ordered them to vacate with immediate effect.
