Fulani Herdsmen Invasion Of Delta Community: Ruler Narrowly Escapes Death, 2 Killed
The Oasis Reporters
February 11, 2019
In the usual signature tune of gangland attacks by aggrieved northern Fulani herdsmen, the palace of the traditional ruler of the Effurun-Otor community, Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State, HRM King Duku II, was invaded and the ruler escaped death by a hair’s breadth. At least two other persons were reportedly killed and tens of houses burnt in the hitherto peaceful community on Sunday in the violent attack.
The Delta state police command, however debunked the report of casualties, adding that the situation in the community had been brought under control and that investigations were already ongoing.
The police report is in contradiction of what community sources have said, claiming that two persons had been killed with many houses houses engulfed in fire.
Although the cause of the herdsmen attack could not be confirmed on Sunday evening, it was gathered that the invaders stormed the community with assorted dangerous shooting sporadically and unchallenged, according to The Nation newspaper.
The news source further adds that when reached for confirmation and comments, the spokesman of the Delta state police command, Mr Andrew Aniamaka (DSP), said there was an incident in the community, but could not confirm any death or the identity of the attackers.
He, however, said the situation in the community had been kept under control, adding that all concerned stakeholders had been engaged in serious activities to ensure that there would not be a repeat of the unrest.
“I’m not aware of any death and I know it’s a crisis having to do with vigilante, not herders and farmers clash. Suffice it to say that the matter has been brought under control by the police.
“The Ughelli Area Commander, DPO Otu-Jeremi and the king of the community have sat down on the matter and have ensured that things are now under control” Aniamaka was reported to have said.
Effurun in Delta State of the South South rainforest belt is interspersed with a network of several creeks, making the entire region, a fish growing belt, which is the major staple of the Delta people. Farming is equally a major occupation of the South South people, utilizing the naturally well watered and fertile soil in the entire area.
However, the massive entry of herdsmen and their cattle, subtly introduces a new beef menu to the people and destroys farmers crops, leading to inevitable clashes with herdsmen from the arid North, pressing southwards due to global warming induced desertification in their home region.
Additional Source: The Nation
