Herdsmen Attacks And The Challenges Ahead 

BY CHINONSO JOHN ELUMEZIE

Imo State, situated in southeastern Nigeria and home to a significant agrarian Igbo population is struggling with escalating insecurity caused by recurring Fulani herdsmen attacks.

 These attacks have not only resulted in tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement of rural communities and farmers, but have also disrupted agricultural lands and activities. The herdsmen incursions have also instilled fear among farmers, and is currently threatening the state’s food security potentially triggering a hunger crisis.

The looming hunger crisis in Imo state is thus not merely a humanitarian issue but also a political and cultural concern. In communities such as Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area, over 200 farmers have reported substantial financial losses due to herdsmen destroying crops such as cassava, maize, and vegetables. Similarly, in Obosa-Assa community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area farmers have expressed concerns over the continuous invasion of their farmlands by herders carrying dangerous weapons, making it difficult for the community to defend themselves.

The community sent an SOS to the state government, with one farmer stating, “Hunger is imminent in our communities because they have continued to invade our farmlands.” Furthermore, the Umuagubiam village in Oforola, Ezi Orsu, Izombe, Ejemekwuru and Agwa communities residents among others, reported kidnapping and physical assaults (maiming and killings) of their farmers.

In response to recent attacks, security forces have only made empty promises in tackling the menace.  The government of Imo State has avowedly refused to implement the anti-open grazing law passed during the administration of Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State.

The inability of the government of Imo State and that of Ahmed Tinubu administration at the centre to confront and tackle this ugly menace shows that they are complicit.  Perhaps, it could be an indirect way to complete the starvation of Igbos started by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the ill-fated Nigeria/Biafra civil war that lasted for 30 months.

The recurring herdsmen attacks in the state and other parts of Eastern Nigeria has compromised food security and intensified existing tensions. This scenario risks exacerbating poverty and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

Conclusion

The persistent attacks by herdsmen in Imo State have far-reaching implications, particularly with regards to food security. Since the response from the Nigerian government has been widely criticized as slow and ineffective, fuelling frustration and anger among the Igbo people in general, it is necessary that both state and federal governments collaborate with local communities to implement sustainable solutions that ensure the safety of farmers and the protection of farmlands.

 The Fulani herdsmen should be made to understand that this is the 21st century. Unfortunately, the government of the day that should have called them to order is reasoning and behaving like cows, that is why there are no proactive measures to prevent this looming danger.

*Chinonso John Elumezie is an activist and a freedom fighter