UBULU-UKU, Delta State – Chief James Asika Onwordi, the Onishe Ezemu Traditional Prime Minister of Ubulu-Uku kingdom, is calling for the immediate departure of Fulani herdsmen from their community due to escalating violence and loss of life. He has also urged security agencies and the federal and state governments to intervene and protect the people of the Ubulu-Uku kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Chief Onwordi, also known as ‘Ibori Ubulu,’ issued this warning following a series of violent incidents, including kidnappings and murders, allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen. He highlighted the recent kidnapping of Mr. Godwin Anuka, his wife, two underage children, along with Mr. Afam Soeze and Chibueze from Isele-Uku. Despite the family paying a ransom, Mr. Anuka was allegedly shot and killed by his abductors in his farm, in front of his wife and children.
"This incident is just one of the many brutal attacks perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen in the area," Onwordi stated, emphasizing that the community can no longer tolerate their presence. Farmers are reportedly too afraid to tend to their crops, severely impacting the community's reliance on agriculture.
Onwordi appealed to the government and security agencies to take swift action to safeguard the community, cautioning that inaction could lead to a wider crisis. He stressed that the community is seeking protection from the authorities, not resorting to self-help.
"As of today, everyone can’t go about their business, predominantly farming, without fear of attack," Onwordi lamented. "We are predominantly farmers; that is our pride, but this pride is being taken away from us by the Fulani herdsmen." He emphasized the kingdom's plea for intervention, hoping to avoid being forced to take matters into their own hands.