Suspected Herdsmen Kill Farmer In Tai, Attack Another In Eleme

Tension is brewing in Eleme and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State following reported attacks on farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the areas.
It was reported on Wednesday that the herdsmen attacked and killed one Mr. Goodluck Dimkpa, in his farm at Ueken, Tai. Another victim, whose name was not given was attacked n his farm at Egbalor community in Ebubu, Eleme. A woman and a couple, who were allegedly kidnapped from their farms also in Egbalor however escaped from their captivity.
Responding to the development, a civil rights activist in Port Harcourt, Mr. Solomon Lenu, said, “It’s not the first time in Ogoni land though, they’ve been killing farmers in Eleme. In fact, there in Eleme, they have more rights to the bushes and farmland than the Eleme people themselves.
“The only thing now is that, they’ve launched their terror a little deeper into the hinterland, by proceeding and extending into Tai.”
Lenu said he had predicted that these attacks would come, and now it has come. “But then again, let us think together. What exactly are they telling these marauders under the guise of herders, that gives them this level of confidence to kill at will wherever they go to?
“There must be an ‘Orientation’. There must be ‘An Agenda’ and there certainly must be some serious backing. The conquest is here, we refused to acknowledge it, but now the war is at our doorstep. Sooner than later, we shall all begin to pay them ransom before using our farms.”
Another Ogoni leader, Mr. Sambari-epie Lemene, said that a few weeks ago Fulani herdsmen invaded Sogho farmlands and destroyed their crops and the farmers took their case to the palace of King Solomon Ndigbara in Yeghe.
“Today, the same Fulani herdsmen have invaded Ueken Community in Tai local government, killing one person. If our chiefs don’t act now, we would face the same thing Benue people are facing.
Also speaking on the development, the Executive Director of Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC), Dr, Fyneface Dumnamene, said a similar thing had happened in Yelewata in Benue State.
He said the question now is where next would attack be. He wondered what leaders of the communities and the state and federal governments were doing to confront this situation.
“Lives and properties are some of the primary responsibilities of government must be protected,” he said.