Ogoni Communities Demand Immediate Exit Of Fulani From Ancestral Lands

Bua Sogho and Ueken communities in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State have rejected alleged land sales and grazing rights to Fulani herdsmen in their area.
At an emergency townhall meeting held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Eete Barakaani in Bua Sogho, community leaders, stakeholders, and over 1,000 residents declared that no land had been sold to herdsmen and demanded their immediate withdrawal.
The meeting, convened by King Frank Nule Nam, Mene Bua of Sogho, was prompted by protests from the Zor-Sogho sub-community over alleged destruction of farmlands by cattle grazing. The herders reportedly claimed to have purchased land worth N100 million from one Mr. Barikpoa Serekara Nwinimaa a claim that sparked outrage.
Also in attendance were HRM King Solomon Ndigbara, Mene Bua of Bori; chiefs from surrounding communities; representatives of the Ueken community in Tai LGA; members of the Fulani herdsmen group; an NGO allegedly involved in the disputed land transaction; and Dr. Moses D. Nsanam of the Deeper Life Bible Church, who helped mediate discussions.
Voices from Zor-Sogho and Ueken lamented destruction of farmland, harassment by herdsmen, and misuse of police authority, including alleged intimidation and wrongful arrests. Hon. Lewis Lebari Biira, CDC Chairman of Ueken, recounted how Nwinimaa allegedly involved police in a case of false cattle theft, leading to a bail demand of over N700,000.
While a Fulani spokesman denied purchasing land, he claimed a Not-for-Profit Organization had acquired land through Nwinimaa to build a missionary school. However, the NGO admitted it never consulted the community’s traditional leadership, relying solely on Nwinimaa’s assurance.
The turning point came when Nwinimaa’s extended family, led by Mr. Barisua Peter Saro Nwinimaa, publicly disowned the transaction. They asserted that the land is ancestral and cannot be sold without communal consent. They urged the NGO to seek redress from Nwinimaa and withdraw from the project.
After thorough deliberations, King Frank Nule Nam issued a final declaration: the herders and the NGO must vacate the land immediately. His decision was fully endorsed by HRM King Solomon Ndigbara, who vowed to protect Ogoni ancestral lands from external encroachment.
Meanwhile, Mr. Barikpoa Serekara Nwinimaa, central to the controversy, failed to attend the meeting and could not be reached for comments.
In a related development, residents of Wiiyaakara community in Khana LGA staged a peaceful protest to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Bori on Monday, decrying the destruction of their farms by suspected Fulani herdsmen. Led by community youth leader Hon. Honeymoon Victor Nyagabah, the demonstrators carried placards demanding government action.
The Rivers State Police Command has acknowledged the protest and promised to investigate the matter.
With emotions running high, Ogoni communities have united in one voice: they will not surrender their land, heritage, or means of livelihood to external forces.