Aggrieved residents of the Uduophori community in the Patani Local Government Area of Delta State took to the streets on Tuesday, blocking the East-West road to protest the horrific amputation of a 28-year-old community member by suspected herdsmen. The protests halted traffic from Bomadi and other nearby coastal areas for several hours, disrupting daily life as demonstrators vented their frustrations.
Mr. Freedom Akpodiete, a commercial motorcycle rider and father of two, was brutally attacked with a machete by the assailants while transporting a passenger to the Uduophori community. This violent incident has sparked outrage among locals.
Protesters, armed with placards and leaves, called on government officials to intervene urgently, highlighting the ongoing violence and fear created by the herders. Many community members reported that frequent attacks have prevented them from accessing their farmlands and living in safety.
Messages on their placards included urgent appeals for intervention, with sentiments such as “President Tinubu, rescue us from Fulani herdsmen;” “Stop the killings and rapes;” and “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, we need your help.”
Addressing reporters, Mr. ThankGod Ado, the President-General of the Uduophori community, expressed deep concern over the persistent violence from the herdsmen. He stated, “This protest is driven by the frequent presence of herdsmen in our community. The recent attack on one of our own, which resulted in his hand being amputated, was the catalyst for our actions today.”
Ado continued, “We can no longer tolerate this cycle of violence. Our farmers live in constant fear of harassment, and our crops are being ravaged by their cattle.”
The situation is dire and ongoing, with instances of women being threatened and their safety compromised. Mr. Henry Emaduku, chairman of the Motorcycle/Keke riders in the community, added that attacks have become increasingly frequent, citing multiple incidents in recent years, including the continued shutdown of their local school due to safety concerns.
Longtime resident Pa Benjamin Obotorino underscored the community’s struggle, stating, “For over 15 years, we have faced the destruction of our crops and the ongoing threat from herdsmen.” He emphasized the urgent need for government assistance to restore safety and peace in the community.
Community women leader Mrs. London Edith conveyed the anguish of locals, stating tearfully that they now feel like strangers in their own land and urgently need support from the authorities to reclaim their lives from the grip of violence.
