Residents of Asaba, the Delta State capital, yesterday protested the alleged killing of some indigenes by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Commuters were stranded as the protesters occupied the ever-busy Asaba-Benin Expressway, making it difficult for East-bound commuters to continue their journey.
The protest resulted in a gridlock which stretched some kilometres.
The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions: “Fulani herdsmen must leave our state”; “Okowa, intervene now”; “The killing, rape of married women must stop”; “Our crops have been destructed” and “Our women cannot go out again”.
The protesters, mainly vigilante, were under the auspices of Anioma Security Watch, Delta South Security Network and Urhobo Security Network.
They said the government failed to protect the residents by allowing herdsmen to kill law-abiding residents.
A letter by leaders of the protesters – Jacob Godwin, Henry Onwuamalieze and Warri Eric – accused the government of paying more attention to protecting oil facilities or installations at the expense of human lives.
The letter, titled: “Insensitivity of Government and the Inevitable War Against Fulani Herdsmen”, faulted government’s drafting of security agents during “election to cow perceived enemies and the electorate to win such elections, but failed to address the deadly Fulani herdsmen”.
Over 63 communities in Delta State have been invaded by suspected Fulani herdsmen, who allegedly raped women and destroyed farms.
They were said to have killed 23 in six months.
Police Commissioner Alkali Baba Usman told reporters last week that the command had arrested 23 suspected Fulani herdsmen, who allegedly killed farmers and raped women.
Though security agents were visible throughout the protest, the situation became charged when they attempted to disperse the protesters.
Eric Warri, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “We are protesting because Fulani herdsmen have been killing our people. They have raped our people and destroyed our farmlands.”
Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, urged the residents to be patient.
He said the menace of the herdsmen was a national security issue. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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