Women in 36 Delta villages protest as 6 youths disappear following influx of herders

Women of Idjerhe community in Delta State have urged the government to prevail on herders to leave their farmlands.

The women, from the 36 villages in Idjerhe, decried the recent influx of herdsmen who have started engaging in crime.

Mrs. Omatie Obire, who spoke to reporters, said six youths have been declared missing since the herdsmen arrived. She said they decided to protest because of the latest attack on two youths at Irhodo village; the youths narrowly escaped.

According to Obire, the youths were accosted by herdsmen who opened fire on them. The youths, however, left their motorcycles and fled into the bush. The herdsmen burnt the motorcycles.

President of the Idjerhe Youth Council Osiebe Francis maintained that their members are peaceful and will never become violent, no matter the level of provocation. The community would rather dialogue on any contending issues, he said. (The Nation)