The traditional ruler of Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, has raised the alarm over rising attacks on farmers in his community, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The monarch said the violence has forced many to abandon their farmlands, putting food security and livelihoods at risk.
In a statement released through the Crown Otota (traditional spokesperson) of the kingdom, Uzzi Obriki, the monarch described the killings as “unprovoked and senseless.” He noted that the fear created by the continuous attacks is spreading rapidly across the kingdom.
“The situation has created fear and distrust among the people. There is urgent need to relocate the herdsmen from our kingdom, as the people can no longer coexist with them due to their criminal activities,” the monarch said.
He called on the Federal and Delta State governments, as well as security agencies, to act immediately before the situation gets worse. He also urged the government to provide relief materials for families affected by the violence and requested increased security patrols, especially along the border between Idjerhe and neighbouring Edo State.
HRM Whiskey’s concern reflects a growing national issue, as clashes between farmers and herders continue to disrupt rural communities across Nigeria. These attacks not only endanger lives but also threaten food production in key agricultural regions.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a six-man kidnapping gang during a routine stop-and-search operation by its Dragon Patrol team.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, confirmed the arrests and said the suspects come from Yobe, Taraba, and Kano states. A total of N3 million was recovered from the gang during the operation.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed that the money was part of the ransom they collected after kidnapping a young girl in Agbarho. They even used a wooden gun to carry out the operation,” Edafe revealed.
The girl was held captive for three days before being released after her family paid a ransom of N4 million.
The arrests have brought some relief to residents of the area, but concerns remain about the wider security situation in Delta State. Local leaders have urged the government to strengthen security efforts and crack down on both kidnapping and violent attacks on farmers.
As communities in the region continue to deal with the fear and economic impact of these incidents, the call for urgent and decisive action from both state and federal authorities is growing louder. Many believe that without a strong and sustained response, rural livelihoods will continue to suffer.
