By Barikui Felix
Angered by the persistent attacks on farmlands and killings of villagers in the four councils of Ogoni in Rivers State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, and what they describe as the failure of security agencies to act, Ogoni youths have vowed to defend their territories if government and security operatives fail to intervene.
The youths warned that any further killing on their land by suspected herders would leave them with no option but to resort to self-defense.
The warning was issued during a peaceful protest at the Rivers State Police Command in Port Harcourt, which also drew support from other youth groups across the state.
Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, National President of the South South Youths Initiative and Chairman, Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies, who led the protest, said the recent attacks in Nyokuru, Ebubu, Sogho, and Ue-ken communities had resulted in tragic losses and pushed their patience to the limit. He described the aggression by Fulani herders as unacceptable, stressing that the communities can no longer watch their people be murdered and terrorised.
Oscar criticised the police for failing to make arrests despite several killings linked to the herders and demanded the immediate evacuation of all herders from the four local government areas of Ogoniland. He stated that their continued presence poses a serious threat to the peace and security of the people.
He called on authorities to take swift action to stop the attacks, ensure justice for the victims, and hold those responsible accountable. He also urged the government to strengthen security measures across Ogoniland to protect lives, land, and livelihoods.
Oscar warned that if the demands are ignored, the communities will be forced to defend themselves. “Let it be clearly stated: any further attacks on the lives of Ogoni people will no longer be reported to the police. We will resort to self-help and self-defense,” he declared.
Speaking in solidarity, Comrade Tamuno-Imama Tamunobelema, spokesperson for the Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies and Chairman, Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Bodies, stressed the urgency of addressing the issue before it spreads to other parts of the state. He questioned why security agencies advise dialogue in the face of violence, calling such suggestions unacceptable.
Addressing the protesters on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, Deputy Commissioner of Police Alhassan Kawu and Assistant Commissioner of Police Iyke Okoro assured the youths that the matter is receiving serious attention. They noted that the CP has convened several meetings with farmers and herders to find lasting solutions to the recurring crisis.
DCP Kawu said the commissioner has urged divisional police officers and area commanders to engage in stakeholder meetings in communities where herders are present. He assured the protesters that a decisive response would be taken to address the menace.
He however cautioned against taking the law into their hands, encouraging alternative conflict resolution methods.
ACP Okoro said the police sympathise with the Ogoni people over the killings and reiterated the command’s commitment to resolving the issue. He highlighted ongoing herder-farmer dialogue sessions in Okehi and other parts of the state, held in collaboration with local government administrators.
He also encouraged the communities to embrace community policing and partner with security agencies by providing timely and actionable information to enhance protection efforts.
